Johnny Somali

Ramsey Khalid Ismael (born September 26, 2000), better known by his alias Johnny Somali, is a Somali American live-streamer notorious for his controversial actions and behaviour during his travels to various countries. Ismael gained attention for his antics, often involving provocative and offensive behaviour, leading to multiple bans and legal issues.

Early Life

Khalid was born in 2000 to a Somali father and an Oromo mother. While he claims to have been born in Somalia and experienced a childhood as a child soldier, these assertions lack substantiation. Khalid and his family relocated to the United States when he was five years old, settling in Scottsdale, Arizona. He later enrolled at Arizona State University but opted to discontinue his studies to pursue full-time live streaming.

Career

Khalid primarily broadcasts himself as a tourist exploring various countries on platforms like YouTube and Kick. His streaming journey commenced in May 2023 after facing a ban from Twitch, prompting a transition to Kick. However, Khalid encountered temporary suspensions on Kick as well.

Controversies

During his travels to Japan, Khalid engaged in anti-Japanese rhetoric directed at the local populace, including remarks about the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, along with threats of nuclear attacks. These provocations led to instances of physical assault and racial slurs hurled at him by locals who recognised him in public.

In June 2023, Khalid visited the Tokyo Disney Resort, where he played music with racist lyrics and clandestinely recorded guests' reactions without consent.

In August 2023, Khalid, donning a mask, accompanied by Jeremiah Dwane Branch, entered a hotel construction site in Osaka. There, Khalid shouted derogatory remarks at the construction workers, resulting in their expulsion from the premises and subsequent arrest on suspicion of trespassing. Later that month, they faced additional charges of conspiracy to obstruct business operations.

On December 19, 2023, Khalid, detained since his second arrest, appeared in the Osaka District Court, charged with conspiracy to obstruct business. The trespassing charge was dropped, and prosecutors sought a fine of ¥200,000. A verdict is slated for January 10, 2024.

In March 2024, Khalid ceased in-real-life streaming, transitioning to "Zoom trolling," predominantly targeting Zoom calls involving Japanese participants.

Israeli Incidents

In March 2024, Ismael travelled to Tel Aviv, Israel, where he engaged in altercations with both Arab and Jewish locals, resulting in physical violence against him. He was subsequently suspended from Kick for inciting and promoting violent behaviour.

On April 7, 2024, Ismael was reportedly detained at a protest in Tel Aviv for disrespecting a female police officer, leading to his arrest and subsequent release. He later claimed to have witnessed a mass shooting at a restaurant, further exacerbating tensions. Ismael's disrespectful behaviour towards the officer, including vulgar language and threats, resulted in his arrest and pending deportation from Israel.

Ban from Jerusalem

Due to his repeated offenses and recent arrests in Israel, Ismael was banned from entering Jerusalem for a period of 50 days.

Despite his notoriety, Ismael continues to court controversy through his online presence, although his actions have often led to legal repercussions and bans from various platforms and locations.