YouTuber Vlad Ncl was punched and kicked during live broadcast in Dublin, video sparking anti-trans debate

YouTuber Vlad Ncl was assaulted during a live broadcast in Dublin, with the video sparking anti-trans debate (Image via Getty)

Popular YouTuber Vlad Ncl was assaulted by a man during a live broadcast in Dublin after he questioned whether he was a boy or a girl. The incident took place on June 12 and quickly spread on social media, sparking outrage and debate, as well as claims that the attack reflected hostility towards people who do not conform to traditional gender expectations. The video also reignites discussions about the risks creators face when filming public social experiments and whether prank-like content can sometimes lead to dangerous situations.

The viral clip comes from an IRL live stream by Vlad Ncl, whose real name is Vladimiros Nicola. Flood, who is famous for his transformation into the female character Natalia, was walking through Dublin city center wearing high heels and women’s clothing when a man approached him on Trinity Street outside the Cotswolds.The man first flirtatiously asked Vlad if he would go home with him. Vlad responded briefly. After a while, the man asked him directly if he was a boy or a girl. Vlad smiled and replied, “I’ll let you guess.”Almost at the same time, the man punched him in the face.The shocked creator took a step back, held his chin and said: “Oh, f***, f***, no, no, calm down,” while remaining live. Later, Flood said the man had a clear view of the camera and knew the interaction was being live-streamed. He also explained that the encounter was not planned but happened accidentally after a fun night out.

Vladimiros Nicola launched his YouTube channel in 2017 and later became known for his social experiments involving the character Natalia. Using makeup, wigs and different costumes, he documented the reactions of strangers to him in public places. His videos have attracted more than two million subscribers.Reaction to the video of the attack was mixed after it spread online. Many people strongly condemned the attack and believe no one should face violence because of how they look or behave.One user wrote: “So Ireland is anti-trans and attacking women for no reason?”Another commented: “The victim, Vlad, was not trans. He was a cross-dresser. That doesn’t mean you can’t be attacked on a night out.”Some viewers questioned Vlad’s form of prank and believed the situation could have been avoided. Others defended him, saying disagreeing with his content did not justify physical violence. Anchor Asmon Gold was among those who criticized people for defending the attacker.Flood said that as of June 14, police had filed a report and provided live video evidence. No arrests or official updates have been announced.