A Texas TikToker could face up to two years in prison after being trapped in Dubai and “shouting” at a car rental agency employee.
Tierra Allen, better known to her 182,800 followers as the “cheeky truck driver,” has been detained in a strict country since authorities confiscated her passport. The detention in Dubai was revealed on Monday.
The Houston social media star, 29, claims the screams were caused by an argument she had with the manager of a local car rental store when she stopped by to pick up her belongings in April.
Allen’s credit and debit cards and mobile phone had been seized along with his rental car the day before the explosion after he and a friend were involved in a minor car accident near the Arabian Gulf.
The manager is said to have reacted hostilely to Allen, demanding money in exchange for his possessions.
“He followed me out of the office and I was so scared. I told him to stop, but instead he called the police and filed a case against me, apparently for ‘yelling,'” Allen claims.
“I am shocked that he scared me.
Chief executive Radha Sterling, who was detained in Dubai, said police had confiscated Allen’s passport and had been debating for the past three months whether to prosecute the influencer for yelling in public. This is considered aggression punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment.
Allen is not imprisoned, but he cannot leave the country.
However, the nonprofit believes Allen was detained as part of an extortion scheme by the car rental company, and believes some local police may be involved.
“It is very common for car rental companies to file lawsuits as a means of blackmailing customers. In a statement, Sterling said:
“Holiday travelers pay exorbitant amounts of money even though they know they are being used, just to get home to family and work.
Allen may have been targeted for his extravagant personal belongings and freewheeling extravagance in the days before his arrest.
The social media star said recording on youtube During her trip to the United Arab Emirates, which was expected to last only a month, she took multiple beach trips, nightclub trips, and lavish dining.
Allen had visited Dubai in the past, but had been there to enjoy a holiday with friends, but was also considering setting up a trucking business.
“I may be the first female truck driver to drive a semi truck in Dubai,” she said at the beginning of a video titled “Cheeky Truck Driver Moves to Dubai?”
Allen has charted a career as a female truck driver and has a strong following. Speaking to CNN in 2021 She likes “to show that you can be feminine in a male-dominated field.”
Her commitment to feminism may also have gotten her into trouble. Sterling believes her authorities targeted her because she is black and female.
Allen’s family, who are detained in Dubai, have contacted federal authorities in Texas to expedite his release despite the rental company’s demands.
The Sterling and Allen families have enlisted the help of Texas lawmakers, including Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and Sen. Ted Cruz.
“We have spoken with Tierra Young Allen’s family and have contacted the State Department regarding this matter.” Cruz’s office told Fox 26.. “Sen. Mr. Cruz intends to collect details and work on this case until Mr. Allen is returned to his family.”
“It got very emotional. Some days I cry all night,” said Tina Baxter, Allen’s emotional mother. told Fox26.
“It’s very scary. The longer she stays there, the more reality sets in.”