Update on August 12, 2025: Xena the Witch has been banned on Kick until the year 3024.
A streamer known as “Xena the Witch” has caused a storm online after shooting a random bystander with a paintball gun during a recent IRL livestream in Austin, Texas. The woman, who was wearing only a swimsuit and had no protective gear, was hit with a paintball while the entire thing played out live for viewers.
Footage of the stream shows Xena aiming and firing directly at the woman without warning or consent. When the paintball struck the surprised victim, Xena reportedly responded with “I don’t give a fuck,” showing little concern for the person’s wellbeing or safety.
Paintball experts consistently warn about the serious risks involved with the activity. Paintballs travel at speeds of 200–300 feet per second and can cause significant bruising, welts, and even serious eye injuries when proper protection isn’t worn. Standard paintball safety protocols require full-face masks, padded clothing, and controlled environments.
Xena has been identified as part of a controversial circle of IRL streamers connected to Ice Poseidon’s community. This group has become known for increasingly provocative public stunts designed to generate viewer engagement, often pushing legal and ethical boundaries.
What happened here most likely counts as assault under Texas law, where authorities can pursue charges regardless of whether the victim files a complaint. Similar cases involving projectile weapons used in “pranks” have resulted in criminal charges, fines, and even jail time for perpetrators.
IRL streaming platforms like Kick, which has less stringent content moderation than competitors like Twitch, have faced growing criticism for hosting controversial creators who engage in dangerous behavior for views.
