Kai Cenat upset after Adin Ross’ manager used n-word during phone call [VIDEO]

Kai Cenat vs. Adin Ross’ Manager: A Racial Slur Sparks Streaming’s Latest Feud

On July 17, 2025, Twitch megastar Kai Cenat dropped a bombshell during his “Mafiathon 2” livestream, accusing Adin Ross’ manager, Taav Cooperman, of calling him the N-word during a tense 4 AM phone call. The conversation—allegedly sparked by Cenat’s Chicken Big Mac commercial for McDonald’s—quickly spiraled into personal insults and racial insensitivity, according to Cenat.

The explosive claim adds fuel to a simmering feud between Cenat and Ross, two of the biggest names in streaming. With Cooperman denying memory of the call and Ross upset the situation has grown far beyond personal drama. Unfortunately, it’s become a flashpoint for conversations around racism, power, and respect in digital entertainment.

Friendship Fractured: Kai Cenat and Adin Ross’ Complicated History

What once was a close partnership has deteriorated under the weight of egos, public pressure, and now a racial scandal.

Cenat, the most-subbed Twitch streamer with over 500,000 subscribers, rose to fame for viral content and collaborations. With stars like LeBron James and Nicki Minaj. His Nike deal in early 2024 made him the first streamer to sign a global campaign with the brand. In addition to his Nike deal, he had several additional partnerships including T-Mobile.

Ross, who streams on Kick following a temporary Twitch ban in 2023, found his niche in the crossover space between gaming, rap, and controversy. He previously gained fame with NBA 2K streams and interviews with Tory Lanez and Andrew Tate.

The two built each other’s platforms early in their careers—but their bond started unraveling. In May 2025, Ross accused Cenat of having an ego. Cenat responded publicly:

“Adin is my brother. I have nothing but respect for him.”

In July, fellow streamer xQc claimed Cenat was “ghosting” Ross. The Cooperman controversy has now deepened the rift, with Ross defending his manager but acknowledging Cenat’s frustration.

The Call Heard Around the Internet

During the livestream, Cenat recounted being blindsided by Cooperman, who allegedly called in the middle of the night to talk about Ross’ birthday party and Cenat’s McDonald’s ad. Cenat claimed the manager mocked the campaign and said:

“From Nike to McDonald’s? A Chicken Big Mac, n***a?”

Cenat, visibly upset, clarified that Cooperman—who is white—used the N-word multiple times, saying:

“He on my phone calling me the N-word at 4 in the f***ing morning!”

Cenat also alleged Cooperman criticized Ross’ gambling and mentioned jumping ship to FaZe Clan. Cooperman has since said he doesn’t remember the call, citing potential intoxication. But on X (formerly Twitter), reactions were swift and divided:

  • “Kai Cenat reveals the real reason he distanced himself from Adin Ross 😳” – @scubaryan_
  • “Kai exposed Adin’s manager Taav for using the N-word. That’s beyond disrespectful.” – @kaimafiaupdates.

Despite this upsetting situation, Kai Cenat continues to insist he has no issues with Adin. Kai explains that he initially hesitated to tell Adin about the interaction. Emphasizing the importance of Adin’s birthday during the time of the call.

Streaming Meets Structural Racism: Not Just a Private Conflict

The Cooperman controversy isn’t happening in a vacuum. It reflects broader issues around race and respect in gaming, streaming, and hip-hop—industries that thrive on Black culture while often struggling with representation and accountability.

Other Notable Racial Flashpoints:

  • Lil Tjay vs. Adin Ross (2024): Tjay called Ross a “culture vulture” after a tense moment on stream with Kodak Black.
  • Kanye West (2022): His antisemitic remarks—some aired in a phone call with Ross—led to massive backlash.
  • Doja Cat (2020): Faced allegations of racism for online chatroom behavior, prompting apologies and public debates.
  • Eminem: His early unreleased tracks with racial slurs resurfaced in the 2000s, leading to public apologies.
  • #OscarsSoWhite (2015–2016): A cultural wake-up call about systemic bias in Hollywood awards and casting.

These events reflect how fame magnifies mistakes—and how social media makes accountability unavoidable. Cenat’s livestream aligns with a broader generational shift: calling things out in real time rather than letting it slide.

Absolutely! Here’s the revised version of the section with the charity and fundraising elements removed, while still focusing on Kai Cenat and the rise of streamer culture:

Streamer Culture Is the New Celebrity: How Kai Cenat Is Leading the Shift

In 2025, streamers aren’t just online entertainers—they’re cultural tastemakers. At the forefront is Kai Cenat, whose meteoric rise from Twitch to mainstream visibility proves that digital influence can rival traditional fame.

Cenat’s every move—whether hosting celebrity guests, pulling off outrageous stunts, or reacting live to viral moments—generates millions of views and fan engagement. His presence online is no longer niche; it’s essential viewing for a generation that values authenticity over polish and connection over curation.

This shift isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about power. Platforms like Twitch, Kick, and YouTube are turning streamers into multi-hyphenate personalities who influence fashion, music, and even public discourse. In many ways, they’ve become the new rockstars—unfiltered, wildly relatable, and impossible to ignore.

Other content creators like Kai, Duke Dennis, IShowSpeed, and the Beta Squad are building loyal digital empires that compete with traditional media. Their collaborations, memes, and controversies dominate platforms like X and TikTok, reinforcing that streamer culture isn’t just part of the conversation—it is the conversation.

In an era where celebrity no longer requires a record deal or a film contract, Kai Cenat stands as proof that streaming is more than a trend—it’s the future of influence.

What We Can Learn From Kai Cenat’s Response

Cenat’s approach to the situation—angry but measured—offers a potential blueprint for handling difficult, racially charged conflicts in public:

  1. Call It Out: He didn’t sugarcoat the slur. His honesty brought clarity.
  2. Protect Your Peace: He’s been clear about distancing himself from toxic environments.
  3. Stay Grounded in Purpose: Despite the feud, Cenat continues to build his brand through charity, branded partnerships, and authentic content.
  4. Don’t Feed the Drama: He hasn’t gone tit-for-tat with Ross or Cooperman, opting instead to explain his side.
  5. Let the Audience Decide: By airing the moment on stream, he allowed the community to draw their own conclusions.

More Than Drama: What This Feud Says About Streaming Culture

This isn’t just a spat between two influencers. It’s a high-profile example of how racism, ego, and digital culture collide in real time.

Cenat’s claim strikes at the heart of an industry that profits off Black culture while often disrespecting its creators. Adin Ross’ decision to stand by Cooperman, paired with legal threats, underscores how deep these divides can run—even among former friends. Despite Adin’s growing popularity, his controversial approach isn’t working in his favor.

But Cenat’s refusal to stay silent shows the power of speaking up. Whether through charity, authenticity, or boundary-setting, his response serves as a reminder: being viral is easy—being principled is harder.