New Delhi: A shocking incident occurred in New Delhi during Diwali celebrations on October 20, when British YouTuber Sam Pepper reportedly injured an eight-year-old girl while firing firecrackers in a residential area. Pepper, 36, was filming a viral video for his livestream when he engaged in a fireworks battle with locals, ultimately causing harm to the young girl.
In the footage shared online, Pepper can be seen standing several feet away, shooting rockets towards a group of people. One rocket struck the girl, causing injuries that reportedly led to the loss of an eye. Locals confronted Pepper, informing him of the severity of the incident. Pepper initially reacted in disbelief, stating, “No it hasn’t!” and suggesting the injury might be exaggerated.
Platforms ban Pepper
Following the incident, Kick, the livestreaming platform where Pepper was broadcasting, banned him, as did Pump.fun, a crypto platform associated with the influencer. Pepper later addressed the incident on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging his role in the accident and stating that he and his team had covered the girl’s medical expenses. He also downplayed the seriousness of the injury, referring to it as “just a cut.”
Who is Sam Pepper?
Samuel Nicholas Pepper, born on 26 March 1989 in Ashford, Kent, England, is a British internet personality and former reality TV contestant. Pepper first gained attention as a participant on the 11th season of Big Brother UK in 2010, where his outspoken behaviour sparked both fame and controversy.
He launched his YouTube channel later that year, initially gaining popularity for prank videos and shock humour, though his content often drew widespread criticism for crossing ethical boundaries. Over the years, Pepper transitioned to vlogging, comedy content on TikTok, and eventually livestreaming on Kick, where he amassed a new following.
Pepper has previously encountered controversies in India, including a hospitalization after consuming bhang during his travels. Despite this, he has spent significant time in India, exploring and creating content over multiple visits.
Pepper’s apology
In a statement to Hindustan Times, Pepper expressed remorse:
“I feel very ashamed of my actions and regret not thinking more carefully. I’m sorry to the girl I hurt and I’m thankful it was just a cut, as my actions could have caused a lot worse. I’m sorry for what I caused in India. I love India and have spent over 4 months there traveling over the years.”
Authorities and locals have expressed concern over the dangers of irresponsible firecracker use during festive celebrations, especially in crowded residential areas. The incident has reignited debates about safety regulations and the responsibility of foreign influencers creating content in India.
Conclusion
The firecracker accident involving Sam Pepper highlights the risks of careless public stunts, particularly during festivals like Diwali. While the influencer has apologised and paid for medical expenses, the incident underscores the need for strict safety awareness and supervision to prevent similar accidents in the future.