In brief
Following a public event, Ethiopian police have arrested six TikTok stars, including the recently honored 'TikToker of the Year' Adonay Berhane, over allegations of wearing 'indecent attire.' The detentions have sparked widespread debate regarding freedom of expression in a country grappling with traditional values against modern influences.
Ethiopian police have arrested a sixth popular TikTok creator days after five other influencers were detained over allegations of wearing indecent attire at a public event in the culturally conservative country.
Adonay Berhane, 25, is a lifestyle and motivational creator with close to four million followers, who was named TikToker of the Year at the TikTok Creative Award 2025 - the same ceremony now at the centre of the controversy.
Police stated on Wednesday that he is under investigation following the event that ignited a vast debate on Ethiopian social media.
Supporters argue the arrests violate freedom of expression and stifle creativity, while conservative voices have defended the actions, insisting that public figures must uphold cultural norms.
Among those arrested was Wongelawit Gebre Endrias, also known as Evan, who appeared braless under an oversized blazer at the event. Another was Yohannes Mekonnen, a dancer and content reviewer who was spotted with a man-bag and who received a production award at the ceremony.
Adonay was pictured in an open-necked shirt, while other detainees included Bereket Tsegaye, Mekdim Dereje, and Girum Gezahegn.
The mother of Adonay Berhane described him as her backbone and an example to Ethiopian youth, expressing shock over the arrests. Following a life in Canada, Adonay returned to Ethiopia, where his TikTok content often conveys warnings about the immigrant experience and encourages young people to invest in their homeland.
While Ethiopia's government remains silent on the matter, police mentioned the detainees promote behavior that undermines public morality, citing fears over the influence of digital trends on Ethiopian youth.
The situation underscores a growing conflict between Ethiopia's expanding online culture and longstanding traditional expectations, with federal police warning of more actions against anyone violating cultural values or representing what they deem as shallow culture.
