The most followed TikTok star in the world was taken into custody by US immigration and customs enforcement in Las Vegas. After attending the Met Gala in May, he was allowed to provide a “self-declaration” related to his visa status, according to officials.
Khaby Lame, a 25-year-old known for his humorous videos, was apprehended at Harry Reid International Airport on June 6, concluding his US tour. He has amassed over 162 million followers on TikTok.
“The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement took 25-year-old Italian citizen Khabane Lame into custody on June 6 at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas for overstaying his visa,” officials stated.
“On June 6, Lame was allowed to leave voluntarily and subsequently made a declaration to the US,” the official added.
Originally from Senegal, Lame entered the US on April 30 with a temporary visa. He had recently attended the Met Gala in New York City, where he donned a stylish gray suit that many commented on for its classic charm.
The situation gained attention after political activist Beau Loudon claimed he reported Lame to immigration authorities, asserting that the TikTok star was detained at the Henderson Detention Center in Nevada.
Known for his lighthearted clips and engaging content, Lame has yet to publicly address this incident.
Although born in West Africa, Lame has spent the majority of his life in Italy. He joined TikTok during the pandemic, primarily out of boredom, which ultimately paved the way for his rise to fame.
His videos, which captivate audiences through comedic expressions and responses to various online sketches, have helped him surpass fellow influencer Charli D’Amelio as TikTok’s most followed creator in 2022. He has maintained that lead among Italian creators for three years now.
Last year, Lame shared that he had earned millions from his videos, recalling how he once worked in a local factory to support his family before achieving fame.
