After Haneen, Mawada, and Salma: TikTok’s Latest Controversy with Suzy’s Arrest

By: Rawan El Hadary

Popular TikToker known as Suzy Al Ordoneya has been sentenced to two years in prison, in addition to a fine of EGP300,000, amid accusations that she was verbally abusing her father during one of her popular TikTok livestreams.

The Story Behind Suzy’s Case

When Suzy was accused of “violating family values,” she explained that the argument with her father, which happened in front of thousands of followers, was over money he took from her and refused to return. She said she didn’t know their heated exchange was being broadcast live. Despite this, her bail was set at EGP 100,000.

Suzy’s case is one of many TikTok-related arrests in Egypt, where several TikTokers have faced legal trouble because of their content. In cases like Suzy’s, many creators were accused of going against social norms and promoting indecent values. Let’s have a look at some of them.

Haneen Hossam

With over 1 million followers on TikTok, Haneen Hossam was a popular influencer on the app until she was arrested and accused of human trafficking in April 2020, as she had been promoting the social media app “Likee” and encouraging underage girls to join it to chat with strangers in exchange for money.

In 2021, she was sentenced to 10 years in prison, but her sentence was later reduced to 3 years, which she is currently serving.

Mawada ElAdham

Similar to Haneen, Mawada ElAdham was also accused of encouraging women to take part in acts that go against societal norms. She was sentenced to 6 years in prison for human trafficking and exploiting minors, and she is currently serving her sentence.

Salma Elshimy

Influencer Salma Elshimy was sentenced to two years in prison back in April 2023 after being accused of taking and sharing inappropriate videos for financial gain.

She was arrested at Cairo International Airport upon her return from the United Arab Emirates and was later taken to a police station for questioning. Just like Haneen and Mawada, Salma is now serving her 2-year sentence.

The sentencing of Suzy and other social media influencers highlights the dark side of internet fame, as it shows how internet success can quickly turn into public scrutiny. The question remains: how far are the risks of digital fame going to escalate, and will TikTok fame claim someone else’s freedom?

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