What in the World Ethiopia arrests TikTok creators over ‘indecent’ outfits
Dec 19, 2025
In this discussion, Kalkidan Yibeltal, a BBC journalist reporting on Ethiopian culture, dives into the recent uproar after the Ethiopia Creative Awards. Six TikTok creators were arrested for ‘indecent attire,’ sparking debates on clothing norms and gender expectations in a conservative society. Kalkidan highlights specific outfits that drew fire, the mixed public reactions, and the government's tense relationship with TikTok amidst broader cultural shifts. It's a fascinating exploration of fashion, morality, and the power of social media in Ethiopia.
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Unwritten Dress Codes Shape Behavior
- Ethiopia lacks clear legal rules on clothing, but strong cultural expectations fill the gap.
- Kalkidan Yibeltal explains conservative norms still dictate public dress, especially for women in urban and rural areas.
Fashion Moments At The Awards
- The Ethiopia Creative Awards gathered top TikTokers and influencers dressed in eye-catching outfits.
- Kalkidan Yibeltal describes a man in all red and a braless woman in an oversized blazer, sparking controversy.
Morality Claims Drive Enforcement
- Authorities accused creators of 'undermining public morality' often tied to perceived sexual suggestiveness or promoting homosexuality.
- Kalkidan Yibeltal notes critics linked cross-dressing or braless attire to threats against public morals in Ethiopia.