Man Utd fan IShowSpeed’s controversies – from setting fireworks off in bedroom to e-dating scandals

Manchester United fan IShowSpeed has continually been embroiled in controversy, from SWAT team encounters to setting off fireworks in his bedroom, during the YouTuber's meteoric rise to fame.

IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr, gained wider recognition among football enthusiasts due to his fixation with Cristiano Ronaldo. The 19-year-old notoriously appeared on Sky Sports in November 2022 in a bid to meet his idol but the broadcaster expunged all traces of Speed's segment after past misogynistic comments surfaced. Watkins later unveiled a tattoo of the forward and dedicated a song to the former United star.

His ban from Sky Sports has not hindered his success, with the United supporter boasting 52 million subscribers combined across YouTube and TikTok, having initially shot to viral fame for his live streams on Twitch. Here's an in-depth look at the YouTuber's journey to stardom and his most contentious moments.

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Who is IShowSpeed?

IShowSpeed launched his first YouTube channel in 2016, but it wasn't until 2020 that he started amassing a significant number of subscribers. Clips from his streams began making rounds on TikTok and Speed hit one million subscribers in June 2021, with his audience expanding at a remarkable pace.

Watkins relocated to Los Angeles alongside fellow streamer Adin Ross and debuted his first rap single in 2021. Last year, he sparred with KSI in a charity boxing match.

The internet star also made an appearance at Wrestlemania 40 in April, donning a Prime bottle costume during Logan