Five teenage girls in Tehran were detained after posting a TikTok video that showed them dancing in a building courtyard to a song performed by American artist Selena Gomez. The clip, which circulated widely on social media and coincided with International Women’s Day, drew the attention of local authorities and led to their detention. According to police, video content featuring women dancing or moving publicly without a headscarf is not permitted, a rule that has long governed public appearance in the country. The incident intensified as officers claimed the girls violated both dress and conduct norms, prompting reports that the participants released an apology video shortly after being held for about two days. The girls were seen covering their hair in the clip and in subsequent footage during the time of investigation. The broader social and political context surrounding the case has continued to fuel public discussion about dress codes, personal expression, and gender norms in Iran. Selena Gomez herself addressed the matter via her social accounts, expressing support for the Iranian students and commending their courage, which amplified international attention to the case. The reaction from Gomez was noted by fans and observers alike as a rare public stance from a global pop figure on a domestic policy matter in Iran [citation: Independent].
This incident follows a period of heightened scrutiny over women’s rights and youth expression in the country. Earlier reports indicated that more than 100 individuals were arrested in connection with a separate incident involving allegations tied to the poisoning of female students, a case that has drawn widespread concern and speculation from observers both inside and outside Iran [citation: Independent].