Livestreamer's murder raises questions over relations between Mexico's creators and cartels
The murder of content creator César Gastélum on Tuesday raises questions about why influencers are coming under attack.
A young Mexican influencer named César Gastélum was murdered while livestreaming on camera in Culiacán, Sinaloa state. Two men on a motorcycle shot him in the head within seconds of arriving and then fled the scene. Gastélum, who had not received any prior threats, shared images of his luxurious lifestyle, including expensive cars, nightlife, and trips, as well as comedy clips.
He also posted a photo of himself at the grave of another influencer who was murdered in 2024. Although officials stated Gastélum wasn't under police investigation, communications expert Claudia Arruñada noted the worlds of social media and criminal cartels can sometimes intersect with dire consequences. According to Arruñada, some influencers have promoted narcoculture by showcasing luxurious lives linked to cartel exploits.
The Sinaloa criminal cartel has reportedly used content creators as community managers to promote their brand, but some influencers reject the "narco-influencer" label. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged that authorities would pursue those responsible for Gastélum's murder and those who ordered it. Despite a 48% decrease in murders in 2025, killings like Gastélum's highlight the continued power of cartels on both the streets of Culiacán and digital platforms.
Written by urgent.news from BBC World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
