Ethiopian police have arrested a sixth popular TikTok creator days after five others were detained over allegations of wearing indecent attire at a public event in the culturally conservative country.
Adonay Berhane, 25, a lifestyle and motivational creator with close to four million followers, was named TikToker of the Year at the TikTok Creative Award 2025 - the same ceremony now at the center of the controversy. Police announced his investigation on Wednesday evening.
The detentions have ignited widespread debate across Ethiopian social media, with supporters arguing that the arrests violate freedom of expression and stifle creativity. Conversely, conservative voices have defended the police actions, insisting that public figures must respect cultural norms.
Among the arrested was Wongelawit Gebre Endrias, also known as Evan, who is known for her lifestyle and fashion videos on TikTok. At the event, she appeared braless under an oversized blazer jacket. Yohannes Mekonnen, known as Jahnny, a dancer and content creator who won an award for video production, sported a man-bag.
Adonay Berhane was pictured wearing an open-necked shirt at the event. Other detainees include Bereket Tsegaye, Mekdim Dereje, and Girum Gezahegn. None of the six influencers have yet spoken about their arrest.
The mother of Adonay, Abeba Gebru, expressed her shock at the news, stating her son is a backbone of inspiration for Ethiopian youth. Having spent part of his teenage years in Canada, Adonay's content often warns against the drawbacks of immigration, emphasizing the importance of living and working within Ethiopia.
Although the Ethiopian government has not released an official comment, police noted that the detainees are suspected of promoting behavior that undermines public morality, citing concerns about the influence of online trends on young people.
This incident illustrates the growing tension between Ethiopia's expanding digital culture and enduring traditional expectations, as the nation boasts over eight million social media users. Federal police have warned that further action will be taken against individuals violating the country's cultural values or endorsing what they describe as shallow culture.
