German TikTok star Noel Robinson was briefly detained by Bengaluru police after filming a street dance video without prior permission. The incident took place while Robinson was dancing in traditional Indian attire in a busy public area, which attracted a large crowd and raised safety concerns. According to reports, the police intervened due to the sudden crowding on the street and the lack of filming authorisation. Robinson was escorted to the police station, where he was held for about 15 minutes and fined. A video shared on his Instagram shows him being guided into a police vehicle, during which he accidentally bumped his head while being handled by an officer.
Later, Robinson addressed the incident on social media, reassuring his followers that he was safe. “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,” he wrote. Despite the brief scare, Robinson maintained a positive tone and said such incidents could happen in any country. “Don’t be sorry, guys! This could have happened anywhere. One little experience like that won’t take away my love for India,” he added. This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in the city. Another German TikToker, Younes Zarou, was also briefly detained by Bengaluru police recently while filming content on Church Street, again due to crowd management issues.
These events have sparked mixed reactions online. Some social media users criticized the way Robinson was treated, questioning the rough handling for a minor issue. One user commented, “The arrest is not the problem; the issue is how they handled him.” Others, however, defended the police, saying such rules are common in most countries and that the matter was resolved quickly without legal complications.
Noel Robinson is known globally for his vibrant dance videos, many of which showcase freestyle and hip-hop choreography. He gained fame for his signature move where he removes his hoodie to reveal his afro mid-performance. Born in 2001 to a Nigerian-German family, Robinson was raised by his mother Andrea, a pediatric nurse, and has built a massive international following through social media.
