Trans model Laith Ashley ‘banned from TikTok Live’ over supposed ‘sexual activity’
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Trans actor and model Laith Ashley has recently made headlines after claiming that he was banned from going live on TikTok for supposedly “promoting sexual activity” during a live session where he was simply “sitting down and talking” with his followers. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability from the social media platform.
In a post shared on March 24, Ashley shared a screenshot that appeared to show TikTok notifying him that he would no longer be able to go live due to promoting “sexual activity and services.” This decision was made in the middle of a live video titled “That trans guy you might know,” where Ashley was engaging with his followers in a conversation.
“This is why I don’t post on here, unless I’m talking about my dog. We have people on here spewing hatred, violence, bigotry, saying things about marginalized groups, the nastiest, most degrading, most disgusting things you can think of, and they get away with it,” Ashley expressed in a post on the app.
“The moment I step on here and just talk? You get kicked off. You can’t go live anymore, that was sexual activity. What sexual activity? I’m sitting here,” he added.
Ashley further elaborated on the content of his video, explaining that he was discussing important topics such as the actors’ strike from last year and the challenges faced by LGBT content creators in securing brand deals. He highlighted the politicization of identities and how being trans has now become a political statement, leading to restrictions on his content.
In response to the ban, Ashley took to Instagram to provide additional context on the situation and expressed his frustration at the silencing of trans voices. He emphasized that the issue goes beyond social media platforms like TikTok and extends to the erasure and victimization of marginalized communities.
“It’s bigger than social media. It’s not just TikTok, it’s not Meta, Instagram, whatever. I don’t give a f**k about that,” Ashley stated. “It’s the silencing and it’s happening at every level. It’s the erasure. It’s the victimizing folks, then blaming them for their own oppression. That’s what’s bothering me. That’s what’s making me angry.”
Despite receiving support from fans and fellow celebrities like Drag Race star Kerri Colby, Ashley revealed that his appeal against the ban had been rejected by TikTok, leaving him unable to go live on the platform.
The incident has raised concerns about the censorship and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals on social media platforms and calls for greater accountability from tech companies in ensuring inclusivity and respect for diverse voices.
In conclusion, Laith Ashley’s experience sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities in navigating online spaces and highlights the importance of creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all users.
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