Influencers are touring US colleges to party despite COVID-19 measures

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.