Six prominent TikTok creators in Ethiopia have been detained by police following their attendance at the TikTok Creative Award 2025 ceremony. The detentions, which include five individuals initially and a sixth days later, stem from allegations of wearing "indecent attire" at a public event and promoting behavior that authorities state undermines public morality.
Detained Individuals
The individuals arrested include:
- Adonay Berhane: A 25-year-old motivational content creator and "TikToker of the Year" recipient, reported to have worn an open-necked shirt at the event.
- Wongelawit Gebre Endrias (Evan): Known for lifestyle and fashion videos, she was observed wearing an oversized blazer without a visible top underneath.
- Yohannes Mekonnen (Jahnny): A dancer and content reviewer who received an award for video production, seen wearing a man-bag.
- Bereket Tsegaye
- Mekdim Dereje
- Girum Gezahegn
None of the six individuals have publicly commented on their arrests.
Official Statements and Public Reaction
Ethiopian federal police announced that investigations are underway concerning the detainees. Authorities have expressed concerns regarding the increasing influence of online trends on Ethiopian youth and stated their intention to take further action against individuals deemed to be 'violating the country's cultural values' or promoting 'shallow culture.'
The arrests have prompted extensive discussion across Ethiopian social media platforms. Supporters of the detained creators have raised concerns about freedom of expression and its potential restriction on creative endeavors. Conversely, conservative segments of the public have supported the police actions, emphasizing the importance of public figures adhering to established cultural norms.
The Ethiopian government has not issued an official statement regarding the detentions. This incident highlights the ongoing negotiation between Ethiopia's rapidly expanding digital culture, which includes over eight million social media users, and the nation's traditional societal expectations.