24-1-2024 (LONDON) In a dramatic clash at London’s St Pancras station, popular British YouTuber Dr K, also known as Brendan Kavanaugh, found himself in a contentious dispute with a group of Chinese tourists who identified themselves as a ‘TV crew.’ The altercation unfolded during Dr K’s live piano performance, with a Chinese group initially observing with curiosity.
However, tensions erupted when the tourists realized they were being filmed. They approached Kavanaugh, vehemently insisting that he cease filming, asserting it was not permitted. The encounter was captured on Dr K’s livestream, showcasing a verbal exchange between him and the Chinese tourists.
A woman from the group claimed, ‘We’re here for Chinese TV — did you film all of us in your cameras?’ Kavanaugh responded, seeking clarity on whether such filming was allowed. The woman retorted, ‘You’re not allowed because we’re for Chinese TV, so this is not disclosable.’ Kavanaugh, asserting his rights in Britain, questioned whether Chinese laws applied in the UK.
Despite their objections, Dr K refused to stop filming, emphasizing that they were in Great Britain, not China, and he had the right to film in a public place. The confrontation escalated when a man in the group requested that Kavanaugh refrain from featuring their faces on television.
Amidst the escalating tensions, one tourist accused Kavanaugh of inappropriate touching, leading to a vehement outburst. Kavanaugh denied the accusation, stating he had only touched a flag. The situation attracted the attention of two police officers who intervened.
The male officer clarified the rights of filming in public places, asserting that if individuals are in a public space, their faces may appear in videos. The female officer then approached Kavanaugh, asking him to turn off his camera, suggesting he had made ‘communist comments.’ Dr K defended himself, stating he had merely commented on the presence of a communist flag.
After the encounter, the policewoman warned Kavanaugh against sharing the incident on his channel. However, Dr K, emphasizing the principles of a free country, refused to comply. Reflecting on the incident on TalkTV, Kavanaugh expressed his astonishment at being dictated to by the Chinese group and highlighted the absurdity of the racism accusation, stating, ‘Once you say “you’re racist,” the British police just melt.’
In a defiant stance, Kavanaugh affirmed the importance of having the incident captured on livestream, ensuring that the world witnessed the spontaneous clash between a British YouTuber and a Chinese ‘TV crew’ in the heart of London.
