YouTube Star Accused of Kidnapping

Summary

• Popular YouTuber Corey Pritchett is charged with two counts of aggravated kidnapping and has left the US.
• Pritchett, currently believed to be in Dubai, posted a video taunting authorities and the accusations.
• His potential return to the US and the case's resolution remain unknown.

Corey Pritchett, a well-known YouTube personality, is facing serious allegations. He's been charged with two counts of aggravated kidnapping, and reports indicate he fled the country shortly after the charges were filed, leaving his substantial online following shocked and concerned.

Pritchett, a US-based content creator, gained popularity through family vlogs, challenges, and pranks since launching his YouTube career in 2016. His primary channel, "CoreySSG," boasts approximately 4 million subscribers, while his secondary channel, "CoreySSG Live," has over 1 million. One video, "LET’S HAVE A BABY PRANK," has achieved over 12 million views.

The alleged kidnapping incident occurred on November 24, 2024, in southwest Houston. According to ABC13, two women (ages 19 and 20) spent the day with Pritchett, participating in activities like ATV riding and bowling. The situation escalated when Pritchett allegedly threatened them at gunpoint, drove them at high speed on I-10, confiscated their phones, and reportedly stated his intention to kill them. The women later disclosed to authorities that Pritchett displayed anxiety, believing someone was pursuing him, and mentioned prior accusations of arson.

Pritchett's Flight and Mocking Video

After stopping his vehicle, Pritchett allegedly allowed the women to escape. They walked for over an hour before finding help and contacting the police. While Pritchett was formally charged with two counts of aggravated kidnapping on December 26, 2024, he had already departed for Doha, Qatar, on December 9th on a one-way ticket. He's now reportedly in Dubai, where he posted a video mocking the warrants and his situation, claiming to be "on the run." This contrasts with the unrelated case of former YouTuber Johnny Somali, who faces potential imprisonment in South Korea.

The future of this case is uncertain. Whether Pritchett will return to the US to face the charges remains unclear. The incident recalls the 2023 kidnapping of YouTuber YourFellowArab in Haiti, who was eventually released after a harrowing experience with a Haitian gang. He later shared footage documenting his ordeal.