Andrey Burim is better known as “Mellstroy” in the online world of Belarus and Russia. He has a huge following at just 25 years of age, with 3.2 millions followers on Instagram and 1,19 million on Telegram. His rise to fame is rooted in an unsettling niche of online entertainment called “trash streaming.”
What is Trash Streaming?
Trash-streaming, an online subculture, is where creators live stream extreme, violent and morally repugnant acts. This is a trend that is especially popular in Russia. It involves broadcasting degrading or dangerous acts using webcams and smartphones. The viewers not only watch the live stream but also actively participate, sending donations and suggesting more extreme content to be performed by the streamers.
What incidents have involved Mellstroy in the past?
Mellstroy’s activities are both shocking and controversy. He gained initial attention for coaxing females to strip off on Chat Roulette. This was then broadcasted live on YouTube. He began to broadcast live parties, often fueled by drugs and raucous behavior from his Moscow apartment. Mellstroy’s situation took a dark turn in October 2020 when he was arrested over a brutal attack on a model aged 21.
Mellstroy repeatedly hit Efremova in the face with a table during a live streaming after she made jokes about his body. She was severely injured. This assault was broadcast to Mellstroy’s then 680,000 YouTube followers, which highlighted the gruesome content of trash-streaming.
What legal actions have been taken?
Mellstroy was arrested after the incident with Efremova. This led to a large outcry, and raised questions about legality and morality. Efremova sought ten million Russian roubles in compensation (roughly 96,500 PS). Details of the legal proceedings were scanty. Mellstroy’s legal implications and the way in which trash-streaming is regulated are still areas of concern and debate.
What is the impact of Trash-Streaming?
Trash-streaming is a phenomenon that has profound effects, not just on the victims but on the societal norms as well as the mental health of viewers and participants. This raises important ethical questions regarding the boundaries of entertainment, and the responsibility of digital platforms in monitoring and controlling content. The ability of streamers such as Mellstroy, to generate significant revenues from this content, highlights disturbing aspects of human psychology.
Conclusion
Mellstroy’s case, which involves Andrey Burim or Mellstroy is a chilling example of the potential dangers of Internet celebrity and online culture. Mellstroy’s story is a reminder that digital platforms are still struggling with content moderation. It also highlights the need for more stringent regulations and robust mechanisms in order to protect people from online abuse and exploitation. In the wake of these disturbing events, the ongoing debate about digital ethics, viewer accountability, and legal responsibility is more relevant than ever.
