Latest news with #Senegal-born
Express Tribune
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Khaby Lame deported from US under Trump immigration crackdown, resurfaces in Italy with social media update
TikTok star Khaby Lame has reappeared on social media days after being swept up in former President Donald Trump's intensified immigration enforcement campaign. Lame, 25, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on June 6 at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas for overstaying his visa. He had arrived in the United States on April 30. ICE, in an official statement, confirmed: 'Seringe Khabane Lame, 25, a citizen of Italy, was detained… for immigration violations.' The agency noted that Lame was granted 'voluntary departure' and has since left the country. Now back in Italy, the Senegal-born content creator resumed posting on Instagram, sharing serene images of himself walking along a leafy Italian street and posing with Brazilian soccer player Emerson Royal, who plays for AC Milan. One post featured an image of Venice Beach paired with 2Pac's 'Keep Ya Head Up,' suggesting a reflective farewell to the U.S. Lame's deportation ignited debate across social media, with critics questioning the rationale behind detaining an Italian citizen known for his global popularity and commercial partnerships. Lame, who boasts over 162 million TikTok followers, has worked with major brands like Doritos, Boss, and Binance. His rise to fame began during the pandemic, when his silent reaction videos mocking overly complex 'life hacks' went viral. In 2022, following public pressure, Italy formally granted Lame citizenship. Since then, he has walked the Milan Fashion Week runway, attended the Met Gala, and served as assistant coach at the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. Though he has yet to issue a public statement about the incident, Lame's signature shrug — and silence — appear to say it all. His name no longer appears in ICE's detainee database.
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First Post
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Why Khaby Lame, the world's most-followed TikToker, was forced to leave US
Khaby Lame, the social media influencer with 162.2 million followers and known for his silent comic video, was reportedly briefly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the US last week. The Senegal-born Italian content creator allegedly overstayed in the US after his visa expired, violating immigration rules. However, he was released the same day and has now left the country read more Khabane "Khaby" Lame, is a Senegalese-Italian content creator with over 162 million TikTok followers was reportedly briefly detained by US immigration authorities over visa violation. Image courtesy: Instagram/@Khabane Lame Khaby Lame, the most-followed personality on TikTok, landed in an unexpected situation last week. The 24-year-old social media sensation, famous for his wordless comedy videos, was reportedly detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Las Vegas on Friday. According to a statement by ICE, Khaby was briefly held due to alleged immigration violations but was released soon after being issued a voluntary departure. He has since left the country. So what exactly happened? And why was TikTok's favourite star suddenly in the spotlight for something so serious? Here's a breakdown of the incident. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why was Khaby Lame detained by immigration authorities? According to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Lame, who is an Italian citizen, was detained in Nevada over alleged immigration violations. 'The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Seringe Khabane Lame, 25, a citizen of Italy, June 6 at the Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada, for immigration violations,' ICE said in the statement given to Men's Journal. Officials noted that the 24-year-old influencer had entered the United States on April 30 but overstayed the permitted duration of his visa. However, 'Lame was granted voluntary departure June 6 and has since departed the US,' the agency added. As of Tuesday morning, Lame had not publicly commented on the matter. However, Barron Trump's close aide and social media influencer, Bo Loudon, was the first to post about the incident on X, claiming that Lame had been arrested in Las Vegas and was being held at the Henderson Detention Centre. Referring to Lame as an 'illegal alien,' Loudon alleged that he had personally tipped off authorities about the visa overstay. 'I discovered he was illegal, who overstayed an invalid visa, evaded taxes, and I personally took action to have him deported,' he wrote in his post. Loudon also claimed he worked with 'the patriots at President Trump's DHS to make this happen'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since returning to the office in January, US President Donald Trump has pushed for stricter immigration enforcement. His administration has already begun rolling out a mass deportation campaign , parts of which are currently facing legal challenges in US courts. Who is Khaby Lame? Khabane 'Khaby' Lame, born on March 9, 2000, is a Senegalese-Italian content creator who currently holds the top spot on TikTok, boasting over 162 million followers as of 2025. He first rose to fame during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, shortly after losing his job as a factory mechanic in Chivasso, near Turin, Italy, a city he's called home since he was just one year old. The inspiration for his now-famous content reportedly struck while he was spending time around the housing complex where he lived. Since then, his rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Khaby became a global sensation thanks to his silent, straight-faced comedy videos that poke fun at overly complicated 'life hacks.' His signature style relies on expressive gestures, especially his trademark move: arms stretched out, palms up and wide eyes. His wordless style, inspired by universal humour, has made him globally relatable. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In June 2022, he officially became TikTok's most-followed creator, overtaking Charli D'Amelio. According to Forbes, between June 2022 and September 2023, Lame earned up to $750,000 per post, building a net worth estimated at $16.5 million through partnerships with brands such as Hugo Boss, Fortnite, and Walmart. He has also been named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Beyond social media, Khaby has expanded into acting and television. He appeared in Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024), starred in the Tubi series Khaby Is Coming to America, and served as a judge on Italia's Got Talent. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His influence has also earned him spots on prestigious lists like Forbes 30 Under 30 and Fortune 40 Under 40. A practising Muslim, Khaby married Wendy Thembelihle Juel in 2023. However, the couple separated by May 2024. With input from agencies
Time Out
6 days ago
- Business
- Time Out
This beloved West African cafe in Harlem is coming to a close
One of West Africa's most accomplished chefs, Pierre Thiam has certainly made his mark on the dining scene. Credited with introducing West African cuisine to the fine dining world, the Senegal-born chef and award-winning cookbook author promotes underutilized African grains and goods with his food company, Yolélé, and oversees restaurants on a global scale, including Nok by Alara in Lagos, Nigeria and the five-star Pullman Hotel in Dakar, Senegal. But New Yorkers may readily recognize him for his fast-casual efforts, especially his work at Teranga. Only adding to the culture found inside The Africa Center, the immersive restaurant on the ground floor provides a gateway to the dishes of contemporary Africa—but after a six-year run, the cafe is coming to a close. Today, Teranga announced it is closing its doors in Harlem. As posted on the restaurant's Instagram account, the last day of service will be on Sunday, June 15. 'It is with a sense of sadness and full hearts that we announce that we are closing our doors in Harlem on Sunday, June 15th,' said the Instagram post. It went on to thank those who have supported them throughout the years. 'Thank you to everyone who shared a cup of Ethiopian coffee, a bottle of Bissap, a plate of hot Jollof and Suya, or a side of Kelewele with us.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by TERANGA️️️ (@itsteranga_) While it is coming to a close, Teranga's mission to bring African cuisine to the mainstream seems to have been successful. The restaurant consistently ranked in media outlets, receiving top nods from The New York Times for its 'Shanghainese lion's head' portions of fufu and fluffy fonio. Thiam's 'super bowls' of joloff and salmon entrees received a four-star rating from us at Time Out. Plus, Thiam's introduction of fonio, West Africa's 'miracle,' gluten-free grain, has continued to find grounding here, evident by his collaboration beer with Brooklyn Brewery, Fonio Rising Pale Ale. Yet not all hope is lost, as the fast-casual outpost will remain strong in midtown. Additionally, the team seemingly teased new locations on the horizon. 'This is far from a goodbye as our Midtown location (601 Lexington) will continue to serve New York City, and we will be opening new Teranga locations in the near future.' T ime Out has reached out to the team for further comment about what's next.
Washington Post
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
World's most popular TikTok personality Khaby Lame joins UNICEF as goodwill ambassador
DAKAR, Senegal — Khaby Lame , the Senegal-born world's most popular TikTok personality who never says a word in videos watched by millions of followers, addressed the youth in his native country on Friday when he was appointed as UNICEF goodwill ambassador. The 24-year-old influencer, who has over 162 million followers, rose to fame with charming videos of his reactions to everyday life in which he never says a word. His following surged during the pandemic, when he was fired from his factory job and used the extra time on his hands to make and upload more videos.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
World's most popular TikTok personality Khaby Lame joins UNICEF as goodwill ambassador
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Khaby Lame, the Senegal-born world's most popular TikTok personality who never says a word in videos watched by millions of followers, addressed the youth in his native country on Friday when he was appointed as UNICEF goodwill ambassador. The 24-year-old influencer, who has over 162 million followers, rose to fame with charming videos of his reactions to everyday life in which he never says a word. His following surged during the pandemic, when he was fired from his factory job and used the extra time on his hands to make and upload more videos. Being a UNICEF ambassador will allow him to 'see all the world and its problems,' Lame said, adding that he hoped he could contribute to solving some of them. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. 'It's a true honor to be appointed as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador and be part of an organization that puts children's rights front and center every day,' Lame said in a statement. 'From my own experience as a child fearing poverty, struggling to find my passion at school, and losing my job during the COVID-19 pandemic, to finding my place and calling in the world, I know that all children can thrive when they are given a chance and opportunity.' Senegal is a major source of irregular migration to Europe. Over 60% of Senegalese people are under 25, and 90% work in informal jobs. They have watched for years as money made from natural resources has gone overseas, and many say they have no other choice but to embark on treacherous journeys in rickety fishing boats across the Atlantic. 'I tell them to dream big,' Lame said when asked about his message to Senegal's youth. 'Try and do your best to accomplish your dreams, even though there are people telling you that you cannot reach them.' Lame moved to Italy from his native Senegal when he was an infant with his working class parents, but was only granted Italian citizenship when he was 20. 'I've been in Italy for 20 years since I was only 2 years old,' Lame told The Associated Press in Dakar. Looking sharp in a beige suit and a matching tie, he added: 'My blood is from Senegal, but I feel Senegalese and Italian at the same time.' Lame's appointment to UNICEF came at the end of a four-day visit to Senegal where he met children and young people who are driving positive change in their communities.
