Johnny Somali pleads not guilty to Deepfake charges as he faces up to 36 years in jail

Streamer Johnny Somali, real name Ramsey Khalid Ismael, has pled not guilty to distributing Deepfakes after showing up to his second court date.

In 2024, Somali traveled to South Korea and began causing controversy in the country just as he did inJapanandIsrael.

johnny somali with laptop

In numerous broadcasts, he filmed himself disrupting businesses, disrespecting Korean culture, and inappropriately dancing on theStatue of Peace– a monument to the victims of sexual slavery during World War 2.

His antics led to him being arrested and charged. During hisfirst court appearance, he showed up late and hungover. However, he pled guilty to obstruction of business for causingchaos in a 7-Elevenand two counts of the minor crimes act after he harassed people with a dead fish and “twerked” on the subway.

johnny somali in a court room

On May 16, Ismael had his second court appearance in which he faced more Obstruction of Business charges for and charges forallegedly creating Deepfakes– a crime that comes with a multiple penalty of 10.5 years in jail.

Johnny Somali pleads not guilty to Deepfake charges

Despite showing up late to his first court date and being warned by the judge, Somali was reportedly late again and had his lawyer looking for him in the courthouse before taking the stand.

As per YouTuber Legal Mindset, Somali faced two counts of distributing Deepfakes, but disputed these claims, pleading not guilty. However, his lawyer couldn’t provide any evidence of his innocence – something Somali denies.

Johnny Somali on youtube next to flag

Furthermore, he pled guilty to playing music on a buscausing it to be late, and causing a disruption at the theme park Lotte World, according toKorean media. However, Somali told Dexerto that he had pled not guilty to both the Deepfakes as well as the third count of Obstruction of Business.Obstruction of Business carries a maximum penalty of 5 years and with three counts, Somali is looking at a maximum of 15 years behind bars for those alone.

Each Deepfake charge carries a maximum penalty of 10.5 years, so in total, Ismael could be in jail for 36 years.

johnny somali with his tongue sticking out

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johnny somali outside south korean court

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Update: It appears Ramsey has stated he intended to plea NOT GUILTY on the new obstruction charge, but a GUILTY plea was entered for this new charge by his lawyer (whether accidently or not) and this has now been confirmed by Korean Media as of this post. I have updated my chart…https://t.co/xfjgsQZ23Dpic.twitter.com/1MGqGnQ4v0

Somali’s next trial date is scheduled for July 18, 2025 and will be a full day of testimony.

This may not be the end of Somali’s charges either. Ismael is accused of threatening tospread HIV, broadcastingNorth Korean propaganda, andviolating anti-terrorism laws.