Popular German TikToker Noel Robinson, well-known for his high-energy street dance performances and distinctive afro hairstyle, was briefly detained by the police in India while filming a video. The incident quickly gained attention online after Noel posted a video explaining the situation to his followers, clarifying that it happened due to a large crowd gathering around his shoot location.
In a clip shared on his TikTok on July 30, Noel is seen dancing in traditional Indian attire on the street before being approached by police officers. The video then shows him being taken to a police station. Noel later revealed in the caption, “This was my first time being taken to the Police Station!! I was scared they would send me to prison, but luckily everything was fine! I’m Safe and I love India!!”
Why Was He Taken to the Police Station?
Noel explained that he was briefly detained for filming in a public location without appropriate permission. The growing crowd around him, which raised the issue of public safety, is what led to the police intervention. He claimed, he was detained for about 15 minutes and was forced to pay a fine before they released him. The TikToker later assured his followers that he was safe and that his feelings about India had not changed because of this.
“Don’t be sorry, guys! This could have happened in every Country! It’s Not about India!! One Little experience like that won’t take away my love for India,” Noel wrote in the comments section of the viral post.
Social Media Responds to the Incident
The video has so far garnered over 9 million views and triggered a wave of reactions across platforms. While many viewers expressed concern and support for the content creator, others pointed out that filming without permission is a common issue that can attract legal attention in any country.
A user commented, “Sorry from Karnataka,” while another wrote, “The arrest is not the problem; everyone is subject to the law. The issue is how they handle him.”
Some users defended the police action, calling it standard practice. “Not a big mistake by the police. It’s common in every country… At least in 15 minutes, he is out of the station without a case,” read one comment. Another user was concerned about the physical handling in the video and asked, “Why is that dude pushing him at the back?”
Who is Noel Robinson?
Noel Robinson initially began creating videos to promote his dance classes, but his popularity skyrocketed when his street dance routines and fun content went viral. His unique style combining hip-hop and freestyle along with his eye-catching afro, became his signature look.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when he couldn’t shoot outside, Noel created a trend around popping his afro hair in videos, which quickly attracted global attention. One of his afro-pop videos even racked up over 40 million views, earning him a dedicated fan base across different countries.
Other Similar Incidents with Foreign Creators in India
Noel’s incident isn’t an isolated one. Other international creators have faced a similar situation while documenting content in India. In fact, just a few months ago, British pop singer Ed Sheeran’s informal performance in Karnataka was interrupted by police, even though he had permission to perform, according to reports.
Another German TikToker, Younes Zarou, was interrupted by police in Bengaluru’s Church Street, where crowd management became an issue when he was shooting content while filming a TikTok.
So, what can we take away from Noel Robinson’s experience? He was in North India for a bit, and although he had a small hiccup, it showcased the challenges content creators, especially creators from overseas, face while shooting in public spaces in India without formal permission. While he was briefly detained by police, nothing transpired in a major legal sense and his love for India remains unchanged, and he continues to interact with his fans all around the world, spreading joy with what he is best known for, his dance moves.
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