Life & Culture / NewsLife & Culture / NewsInfluencers are touring US colleges to party despite COVID-19 measuresYouTube pranksters the NELK Boys are the latest influencers facing fines for flouting coronavirus rulesShareLink copied ✔️September 11, 2020September 11, 2020TextGünseli Yalcinkaya There’s no stopping an influencer’s need to party. As TikTok star Bryce Hall faces a year in jail for throwing a string of COVID-19 parties in the Hollywood Hills, YouTuber pranksters the NELK Boys are facing similar repercussions after throwing a rager at Illinois State University with their fans. On September 8, footage surfaced online of a huge party thrown by the NELK Boys and students near the Illinois State University campus, showing a massive crowd of people ignoring coronavirus restrictions. The ISU president Larry Dietz addressed the party in a press conference, saying: “It really gives me no joy to convey my great disappointment in the actions of those who gathered.” He added that him and the Mayor of Normal (a town in Illinois) were looking into potential sanctions against those involved, including suspensions and a fine of up to $750. NELK, who have 5.7 million followers on YouTube and 3.1 million followers on TikTok, have previously faced backlash for throwing “brotests” to push California to open its gyms and throwing lavish parties that ignore coronavirus rules. And the party doesn’t show signs of stopping: “Chicago today, Columbus tomorrow, then Washington/Philly and then Jersey! Where our fans at?” they tweeted on September 9. While it’s still unclear what charges are facing the influencers, the backlash in Illinois might force NELK to take a break from their frat boy ways. Watch this space. YouTubers known as Nelk boys, after hosting an “open up gyms” protest and partying their way through LA, are now traveling to colleges encouraging students to ignore COVID restrictions to party. Pls watch these videos this is what they’re promoting to their 3.5M young followers pic.twitter.com/sJSLEJpQYS— Taylor Lorenz (@TaylorLorenz) September 10, 2020NELK THROWS MASSIVE PARTY at Illinois State University. The president of the university and mayor are considering sanctions against students who attended, which may be suspension and fine of up to $750.Senior COVID Correspondent COVID says “Love it.”What are your thoughts? pic.twitter.com/JFVYNvEHgv— Def Noodles (@defnoodles) September 9, 2020Escape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy Expand your creative community and connect with 15,000 creatives from around the world.READ MOREJim BeamWhat went down at Jim Beam’s NYC bashThis debut novel exposes the dark side of the creator economy AdanolaLila Moss fronts Adanola’s latest spring 2026 campaignSo you want to leave TikTok?‘He’s late because he’s having an affair’: how OCD impacts relationshipsHow to date when... you don’t like their familyJim BeamSign up for Dazed and Jim Beam’s game day giveawayIs 2026 the year of analogue?Jim BeamJim Beam and Dazed want to help you get game day-readyLimerence is bullshitWhat went down at Elizabeth Arthotel’s 50th AnniversaryIs a new gambling trend driving us toward armageddon?Escape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy