TikTok Star Khaby Lame Becomes UN Tourism Ambassador after US Expulsion
Khaby Lame, a prominent TikTok star with 162 million followers, has been appointed as the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) ambassador for tourism. Known for his humorous, gesture-based videos, Lame gained global fame starting in Chivasso, Italy. Born in Dakar in 2000, he moved to Italy with his family at just one year old. He attained Italian citizenship in summer 2022.
Role as UNWTO Ambassador
As the UNWTO ambassador, Lame will leverage his substantial platform to promote responsible tourism, cultural heritage, and sustainable practices. He aims to demonstrate tourism’s potential as a driver of development, job creation, and unity. Lame expressed his honor in taking on this role, emphasizing his desire to use his influence to foster a global community that cares for the planet.
Past Achievements and Recognition
This is not Lame’s first major role. Earlier in 2025, he was named a UN goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. His accomplishments have earned him recognition from Forbes in the “30 Under 30” list and feature in Fortune’s “40 Under 40.” Additionally, he graced the red carpet at the Met Gala in 2025.
Challenges in the U.S.
Despite his new position, Lame faces restrictions regarding travel to the United States. In June 2025, he was detained in Nevada by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for overstaying his visa. Although he was not held by immigration authorities because of his residency in Italy, he was expelled from the country. Consequently, Lame may face difficulties returning to the U.S. in the future.
Controversial Arrest
His arrest was brought to public attention when Bo Loudon, a right-wing influencer, revealed it in a post on X. Loudon claimed that Lame was an illegal immigrant violating immigration laws, which sparked significant media interest. The details surrounding Lame’s expulsion have remained unclear, raising questions about his visa status and the circumstances leading to his arrest.
- Name: Khaby Lame
- Followers on TikTok: 162 million
- Followers on Instagram: 80 million
- Date of Birth: 2000
- Nationality: Italian (obtained summer 2022)
- UNWTO Appointment: 2025
- UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador: 2025
- Met Gala Appearance: 2025
- U.S. Visa Issue: Detained in June 2025
Khaby Lame’s journey from a social media sensation to a UN ambassador underscores the intersection of celebrity influence and global advocacy. As he faces challenges in the U.S., his commitment to promoting responsible tourism remains steadfast.
