American YouTuber Addison Pierre Maalouf was reportedly kidnapped in Haiti by a gang affiliated with Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizer.
O New York Post Office reports that the content creator traveled to the country to interview the notorious gang leader.
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A fellow content creator, Lalem, confirmed Addison’s kidnapping.
Maalouf, who is also known online as “YourFellowArab” and simply “Arab,” traveled from his home in Atlanta, Georgia, to the war-torn country. He intended to interview the notorious leader of the G9 Família e Aliados gang, “Barbecue.” The YouTuber has over a million subscribers on his channel. However, the streamer was reportedly kidnapped on the first day of his arrival.
400 members of the Mawozo gang arrested the YouTuber and a Haitian associate on March 14.
The violent group received US$40,000 for their release, but the kidnappers are demanding US$600,000, according to the report. New York Post Office.
Maalouf’s friend Lalem said he was trying to keep the matter out of the public eye but decided to speak out as it is now making headlines.
Addison’s friend speaks
He took it to Xformerly known as Twitter, writing, “I tried to keep it private for two weeks, but now it’s spreading everywhere.”
“Yes, Arab was kidnapped in Haiti and we are working to get him out of there,” Lalem said. He assured viewers that “he will be out soon.”
I tried to keep it private for 2 weeks but now it’s spreading everywhere. Yes, Arab was kidnapped in Haiti and we are working to get him out of there. I love you, it will be out soon ❤️
-Lalem (@Lalem) March 29, 2024
Additionally, Lalem posted the latest video Addison released online. The content showed the YouTuber in a Haitian hotel discussing the dangers of being in the region. Evidently, he was well aware of the risks.
This is the last video he recorded before being kidnapped. If you have his number, please do not text him while he is there for safety reasons. 🙏 https://t.co/JJ7y1uVjGA
-Lalem (@Lalem) March 29, 2024
The US State Department has advised US citizens not to visit the country, Forbes reports.
Reactions on social media
Roomies shared their thoughts on the traveling YouTuber’s kidnapping.
@the.bundles.show asked, “Why would you play with a Haitian named BARBECUE?”
“People think it’s a joke… they’d rather risk their lives for opinions. It’s really not worth it.” @rich_cave stated.
@thegirls.tweets added, “he literally walked into danger… prayers, but why?”
Hopefully Addison Maalouf will be back on American soil soon.
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