- YouTube sensation Darren ‘IShowSpeed’ faced backlash following his visit to Zimbabwe on January 8, 2026.
- Viral discussions erupted on social media platforms after IShowSpeed appeared to ignore Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025, Lyshanda Moyas, during a five-hour livestream.
- Moyas later took to Instagram, expressing initial upset but also acknowledging Speed’s exploration of her country.
- The incident sparked debate among netizens regarding Moyas’s visibility and the streamer’s awareness.
YouTube streamer IShowSpeed’s recent trip to Zimbabwe, part of a 20-country African tour, quickly turned controversial when a clip from his January 8 livestream went viral. The video, which has garnered over three million views, showed Speed seemingly walking past Lyshanda Moyas, Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025, at a go-karting track without acknowledging her. This apparent oversight fueled extensive commentary on social media, with many users on X (formerly Twitter) highlighting the perceived snub.
The controversy gained further traction when Moyas herself addressed the incident. While initially expressing disappointment at being overlooked, she maintained a gracious stance, commending IShowSpeed for visiting and celebrating Zimbabwe. This response, shared on her Instagram, added a layer of nuance to the public discussion, shifting some focus to the dynamics of celebrity interactions and public perception.
Netizens offered varied opinions, with some criticizing Moyas’s team for not ensuring proper identification, suggesting she should have worn her sash and crown. Others argued that Moyas should have introduced herself, asserting that Speed could not be expected to recognize everyone. The debate underscores the complexities of viral moments involving public figures and and the rapid dissemination of information and opinions online.
Timeline
- January 8, 2026: IShowSpeed conducts a five-hour livestream from Zimbabwe as part of his African tour.
- January 9, 2026: Netizens begin sharing clips and discussing IShowSpeed’s apparent ignorance of Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025, Lyshanda Moyas.
- January 9, 2026: Lyshanda Moyas posts on Instagram, stating she was initially upset but happy about Speed’s visit.
- January 9, 2026: Sportskeeda publishes an article explaining the controversy.
Key Players
- Darren ‘IShowSpeed’: Popular American YouTube streamer.
- Lyshanda Moyas: Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025.
- Netizens/Social Media Users: Individuals on platforms like X who fueled the viral discussion.
