Sometimes, internet fame comes with messy moments and for Twitch streamer and rapper Aspen Kartier, that moment turned into a storm. A video from one of her live streams showing her allegedly mishandling a puppy has gone viral, drawing widespread outrage from fans, animal rights groups, and social media users.
The incident reportedly took place during a live broadcast when Kartier's dog entered the room unexpectedly. Frustrated, she questioned how the puppy had gotten out of its cage. The clip shows her grabbing and striking the animal, causing it to yelp in distress. In another segment, Kartier is seen holding the puppy by the back of its neck, a method experts warn can be painful and harmful, particularly for young dogs.
Following the video's circulation, Kartier addressed the allegations in a follow-up clip. She denied intentionally hitting the puppy, claiming the situation had been exaggerated. However, viewers noted that the dog could still be seen whimpering and struggling to free itself, which intensified criticism online.
In response to the clip, Twitch confirmed that Kartier's account had been temporarily suspended for violating its Community Guidelines. Reports indicate she will be unable to stream on the platform until March 19. Kartier has suggested she might move some of her streams to other platforms such as YouTube or Kick during this period.
The controversy escalated further after Kartier shared another video in which she claimed the puppy was for sale. In that clip, she is seen tossing dollar bills over the animal's head, a gesture widely criticised as insensitive and disturbing.
Animal rights organisation PETA issued a public statement condemning the incident and called for a thorough investigation. Social media reactions were swift and intense, with many users demanding stricter consequences and emphasising the importance of responsible pet ownership.
Authorities are being urged to intervene, and the case remains under public scrutiny, with further action possible based on ongoing reviews.