A fresh wave of controversy has hit Ethiopia’s social media scene after police arrested a sixth TikTok star in connection with allegedly “indecent” dressing at a high-profile awards ceremony.
Lifestyle creator Adonay Berhane, 25 — who boasts nearly four million followers and was crowned TikToker of the Year at the 2025 Ethiopia Creative Award — was detained on Wednesday evening. His arrest follows the detention of five other TikTok influencers who attended the same event.
Police confirmed he is now under investigation for attire they say violated public morality.
Public Outcry and Culture Clash
The arrests have triggered heated debate across Ethiopia’s online spaces. Critics argue the detentions infringe on freedom of expression and threaten the country’s fast-growing creative industry. Conservative voices, however, insist public figures must respect Ethiopia’s cultural values.
Those detained include:
- Wongelawit Gebre Endrias (Evan) – lifestyle and fashion creator, criticised for going braless under an oversized blazer
- Yohannes Mekonnen (Jahnny) – dancer and content reviewer, wore a man-bag and won an award at the ceremony
- Bereket Tsegaye
- Mekdim Dereje
- Girum Gezahegn
Police say the group promoted behaviour that “undermines public morality,” warning that more actions could follow against individuals “violating the country’s cultural values.”
Families Speak Out
None of the six influencers have publicly commented. But the mother of Adonay Berhane, Abeba Gebru, expressed shock, describing her son as her “backbone” and a role model for Ethiopian youth.
Adonay, who spent his teenage years in Canada before returning home, is known for content that warns young Ethiopians about the challenges of migrating abroad. He frequently encourages youth to build their futures within Ethiopia.
Digital Generation vs Traditional Expectations
With over eight million social media users, Ethiopia is witnessing a growing clash between modern digital culture and long-standing conservative norms. The arrests highlight the widening gap — and the government’s increasing scrutiny of online personalities.
Authorities have not issued a formal government statement, but federal police say they will continue cracking down on what they described as “shallow culture” influencing Ethiopian youth.