Police in Ethiopia have intensified a crackdown on social media influencers. Authorities detained a sixth popular TikTok creator this week.
This arrest follows the detention of five others just days earlier. Police accused them of wearing “indecent attire” at a public event.
The latest figure in custody is Adonay Berhane. He is a 25-year-old lifestyle and motivational content creator with nearly four million followers.
Ironically, Adonay received the “TikToker of the Year” title at the very event now sparking controversy—the TikTok Creative Award 2025. Police confirmed on Wednesday evening that he is under investigation.
The ‘Indecent’ Wardrobe
The wave of arrests stems from outfits worn at the awards ceremony. Authorities claim these clothes undermined public morality in the culturally conservative nation.
The detainees and their alleged infractions include:
- Adonay Berhane: Pictured wearing an open-necked shirt.
- Wongelawit Gebre Endrias (Evan): A lifestyle creator who reportedly went braless under an oversized blazer.
- Yohannes Mekonnen (Jahnny): A dancer noted for accessorizing with a “man-bag.”
- Others: Bereket Tsegaye, Mekdim Dereje, and Girum Gezahegn were also detained.
A Mother’s Shock
Adonay’s arrest has stunned his family. His mother, Abeba Gebru, described her son as her “backbone.” She called him an “example to Ethiopian youth.”
Adonay spent his teenage years in Canada but returned to Ethiopia to build his career.
Much of his content focuses on discouraging emigration. He warns his followers about the hardships of life abroad. Instead, he urges them to work and live in their homeland.
Digital Trends vs. Tradition
The arrests have ignited a fierce debate among Ethiopia’s eight million social media users.
Supporters argue that the arrests stifle creativity. They believe the crackdown violates freedom of expression. Conversely, conservative voices have rallied behind the police. They insist that public figures must respect traditional cultural norms.
Police justified the detentions by citing concerns over online trends. They worry about the growing influence on the country’s youth.
Authorities issued a strict warning. They stated that further legal action will be taken against anyone “violating the country’s cultural values” or promoting what they termed “shallow culture.”
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