TikTok star Khaby Lame detained at US airport over visa violation

(Web Desk): Khaby Lame, a globally recognized social media star known for delivering laughter without uttering a single word, has now found himself at the center of a serious news story. The incident occurred at the Harry Reid International Airport in the United States, where he was detained for violating immigration laws.

The incident took place on June 6 when the 25-year-old TikTok sensation, who is an Italian citizen, arrived in Las Vegas. US immigration authorities detained him for overstaying the validity of his visa. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) later confirmed that Khaby Lame had violated the terms of his visa. However, he was released the same day under a "voluntary departure" agreement.

Khaby Lame, originally from Senegal, moved to Italy at a young age and obtained Italian citizenship in 2022. He rose to fame during the COVID-19 lockdown, after losing his factory job. With time on his hands, he began making humorous videos in which he silently mocked overly complicated tutorials by demonstrating simple solutions, winning over audiences worldwide.

Khaby now has over 162 million followers on TikTok. His signature silent, expressive style has become a hallmark of his global appeal. He also serves as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, a United Nations agency. According to Forbes, from June 2022 to September 2023 alone, he earned approximately $16.5 million through brand endorsements and marketing projects.