Influencer filming Cork City shop staff with smart glasses sparks 'incident'

In another video, the 21-year-old student filmed a young woman undergoing a medical emergency in Cork City as she was being treated by paramedics

Last week, Cork-based Vladyslav Morhulets, known better as Rendy_Vlad online, posted a video on his social media channels of himself and some friends in the Gino's Gelato store on Oliver Plunkett Street. File picture: Denis Minihane

Gino's Gelato has said it is reviewing a recent incident at an outlet in Cork which was filmed and widely shared on social media.

In a statement on Tuesday, the dessert franchise said it was aware of a video currently circulating online showing an incident between staff and an online content creator.

Last week, Cork-based Vladyslav Morhulets, known better as Rendy_Vlad online, posted a video on his social media channels of himself and some friends in the Gino's Gelato store on Oliver Plunkett Street.

The video shows Vlad attempting to enter the store, despite employees repeatedly telling him that it was closed. He was asked to leave several times, but continued to re-enter the premises and ask for ice cream, resulting in an argument with the staff.

The interaction led to a spatula being thrown at Vlad by a Gino's staff member.

Ukrainian-born Vladyslav has built a substantial online audience by filming similar scenarios, with 1.1 million followers on TikTok and 13,000 on Instagram. 

The student, who studies software development at Munster Technological University (MTU), frequently films videos he describes as "pranks" across Cork and elsewhere in Ireland using Meta Ray-Ban glasses, often without those involved realising they are being recorded. 

He has previously referred to himself as a POV (point-of-view) prankster.

Videos on his social media also include footage of him trying to sneak into a cinema screening dressed as a staff member, setting off an emergency alarm in a supermarket and entering a staff-only area in a Cork City restaurant, all of which include reactions from employees.

In another video, which was removed by TikTok for violating its rules around adult sexual abuse, the 21-year-old student filmed a young woman undergoing a medical emergency in Cork City as she was being treated by paramedics.

While they resemble standard Ray-Ban eyewear, the glasses the MTU student films with include built-in Meta technology that allows users to take photos and videos hands-free.

The glasses have raised concerns among regulators, with Ireland’s Data Protection Commission and its Italian counterpart questioning how people captured in images or videos are notified that a recording is taking place.

Other people filmed by Vlad in their workplaces have previously told the Irish Examiner that they did not know they were being recorded until they saw the videos of them posted on social media.

Statements about incident

In its statement on Tuesday, Gino's Gelato said: “We want to be clear that the behaviour shown does not reflect the standards we expect from our team or the experience we aim to provide to our customers.

“At the same time, the clip being shared online does not capture the full context of what occurred.

“This matter is currently under review, and we are co-operating fully with the appropriate authorities as part of their enquiries. While this process is ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further on specific details."

Gino's added that it takes situations like this “very seriously” and is conducting its own internal review.

“The safety and well-being of both our customers and our staff is extremely important to us. We appreciate your patience and understanding,” the company concluded.

In a statement to the Irish Examiner, a spokesperson said An Garda Síochána does not comment on named individuals or entities.

“Gardaí received a report of an incident that occurred at a business premises in Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork city, on Tuesday, 28th April 2026, at approximately 9pm. Enquiries are ongoing.” 

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In a statement to the Irish Examiner, a spokesperson for MTU said: “Munster Technological University is aware of content circulating online and in associated press reports which has caused concern.

“MTU expects all students to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the university’s values, including respect for others, dignity, and personal privacy.

“Where matters of student behaviour come to our attention, they are dealt with in accordance with university policies and procedures. The details of any such processes are confidential. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to comment on individual cases.”