Twitch Streamer Nina Lin Caught Shoplifting at Target Live on Stream After Thinking No One Would Notice

Twitch star Nina Lin has triggered a major online firestorm after a viral livestream clip appeared to show her slipping unpaid items into her bag inside a Target store, with thousands of viewers accusing the streamer of shoplifting in real time and demanding permanent action from Twitch.

Instead of going unnoticed, the footage spread rapidly across social media, reigniting criticism over Lin's past behaviour and amplifying long-running calls for her removal from the platform.

The Viral Clip and Immediate Backlash

The controversy began with a 52-second segment from Lin's livestream as she browsed inside a Target and used a self-checkout machine.

On screen, viewers observed what appeared to be a pack of butter placed over the barcode of a pack of steak. The till scanned the cheaper item while the steak seemed to be slipped directly into her shopping bag without registering. Twitch chat immediately exploded, with viewers accusing her of committing theft live on air.

The clip was quickly reposted across X, TikTok and Instagram with captions alleging shoplifting. One widely circulated post read: 'Nina Lin was caught shoplifting at Target live on stream thinking nobody would notice.'

Criticism intensified, with some comments growing more extreme. One user wrote: 'Easily the worst streamer of all time, and she gets away with everything because she is a woman.' Another added: 'It's like she is speed-running becoming the most unlikeable streamer on the internet.'

The backlash accelerated among viewers who believe Lin has repeatedly crossed boundaries without facing serious consequences. Many demanded Twitch intervene immediately, calling for a permanent ban.

As of publication, neither Target nor Twitch has issued a public statement, and Lin has not confirmed whether payment for the steak was made after the clip ended.

A legal analyst speaking online cautioned that mistakes at self-checkout stations are common and that intent is critical for any shoplifting allegation. However, the clarification has done little to slow the wave of online outrage.

Past Allegations Resurface as Criticism Intensifies

The new scandal has revived anger tied to Lin's earlier controversies.

In late October 2025, resurfaced footage from a May 2024 livestream showed Lin and fellow streamer Zoe Spencer restraining and inappropriately touching FaZe Silky's assistant, Said, during a broadcast. In now-deleted posts, Said said he felt assaulted and invalidated by the encounter.

The footage showed the women carrying him into a room, attempting to remove his clothing and repeatedly touching him while he appeared visibly distressed and uncomfortable.

A second resurfaced clip showed Lin approaching streamer Disguised Toast during a massage stream and touching him in a manner he later described as 'extremely uncomfortable'.

Following public backlash over both incidents, Twitch issued brief suspensions to Lin and Spencer for guideline violations. However, the bans lasted just one day, a decision that angered many viewers who felt the punishment was insufficient.

On 2 November, Lin issued an Instagram apology, describing her behaviour as 'inexcusable' and promising to take responsibility and 'learn' from the incidents. Critics have since resurfaced that apology, pointing to the latest controversy as evidence that little has changed.

Calls for Accountability

With the alleged shoplifting clip circulating widely, questions are once again being directed at Twitch's moderation policies.

Critics argue that even where individual controversies remain legally unclear, the pattern of misconduct paints a troubling picture and undermines trust in the platform's enforcement standards.

A trending post asked: 'Is this what Twitch allows now?' while another wrote: 'Fans demand a permanent ban. Enough is enough.'

Some social media users highlighted what they view as a double standard, comparing Lin's brief suspensions with the faster and more severe bans imposed on some male streamers.

Others argued the platform must restore public trust, alleging that enforcement decisions seem inconsistent or influenced by audience size and popularity.

A Streamer Facing Mounting Consequences

For now, the viral clip has placed Nina Lin back under the harsh glare of online scrutiny. What began as an everyday shopping stream has spiralled into a full-scale reckoning over influencer conduct, platform accountability, and whether high-profile creators are being treated differently from everyday users.

Whether the controversial self-checkout moment was a genuine mistake or something more deliberate remains unanswered. But the fallout has already reignited old controversies and intensified calls for decisive action.

As the footage continues to circulate and debate rages across social platforms, Lin finds herself once again at the epicentre of controversy, with growing numbers of viewers convinced that this latest scandal may finally force consequences that stick.