TikTok has issued an apology and launched an investigation after Black Australian creators alleged they were excluded and denied photography opportunities at the TikTok Awards held on Wednesday night in Sydney.
Creators say they were stopped from accessing the red carpet, told their photos “were not needed,” and watched as white creators were ushered through without issue. One confrontation was captured on video and has since gone viral on TikTok, sparking national outrage.
The event, hosted by Love Island Australia presenter Sophie Monk and staged at ICC Sydney Theatre in the Darling Harbour precinct, is now facing mounting criticism over allegations of discriminatory treatment and poor organisation.
Insiders told Back Cover News exclusively that creators were informed in their invitations that red carpet photo opportunities would be available, deepening frustration when several attendees of colour were allegedly denied access or directed away from the media wall.
@niiyells @TikTok Australia the fact that this miss treatment has been going on for years, don’t even worry about it. You can keep your event. I’m sorry to all the black creators who had to experience the heavy micro aggression from the TikTok staff and photographers ❤️ we didn’t deserve that.
In one confronting moment, footage captured by African Australian comedian Niiyell Ocansey (known as NIIYELL) shows a photographer approaching her group before saying, “We don’t need your photo! What are we going to do with your photo?” and gesturing for them to move away.
Multiple attendees identified the photographer as Jack Bennett, a controversial lifestyle photographer, though TikTok has not confirmed whether he was employed, contracted or authorised to act on its behalf.
TikTok confirmed to Back Cover News that it is investigating the matter.
A representative said on Friday that the platform was “deeply upset” guests had a negative experience and partly attributed the disruption to an unexpected weather event.
“TikTok is an inclusive and welcoming space for all, and we are deeply upset to learn that some of our valued guests had a negative experience at one of our events,” the spokesperson told Back Cover News.
“Two hours before guests were set to arrive, we were advised of an incoming extreme weather event with forecast winds of over 70 km/h. The venue’s risk management team deemed these conditions unsafe for the media wall and some activations to be outside. We were given two choices — move inside, or cancel the media wall altogether. In the interest of guest and staff safety, and creators being able to walk the red carpet, we made the decision to move inside. This, however, halved the overall size of the space, which had an impact on some attendees’ red carpet experience.”
“We are devastated that anyone felt excluded or uncomfortable, and we sincerely apologise for that. We are actively investigating what occurred, and reaching out to those that have been impacted.”
The platform did not comment on allegations involving media partners or directives on who could be photographed.
Creators say the problems go beyond weather logistics.
Several Black creators — including high-profile names like Maxi (600k+ followers) and NIIYELL (400k+ followers) — reported being blocked from accessing photographers multiple times throughout the night. Some say staff told them their photos “weren’t needed,” while others reported being ignored entirely.
A viral video from the night has fuelled broader conversations about racial bias within Australia’s creator and entertainment sectors.
Adding to the backlash, several creators allege that a representative from a national newspaper instructed photographers not to photograph people of colour. While Back Cover News has not independently verified the claim, many attendees reported seeing creators of colour consistently passed over or waved away.
Concerns about discrimination were further compounded by widespread complaints of poor event organisation. Attendees described chaotic queues, unclear instructions and limited amenities. Some say they were cut off from food and drinks, which were reportedly only available to those willing to pay — an unexpected restriction at an industry awards ceremony.
Others said they felt “herded,” “dismissed” or “unwelcome,” noting stark inconsistencies in the treatment of different creators. Several guests compared the night to a “high school formal,” pointing to confusion around seating, long delays and inconsistent directions from security and event staff.
Outrage spread rapidly across TikTok, Instagram and X, with creators of colour expressing humiliation and disbelief. Many questioned how, regardless of weather conditions, such stark disparities in treatment could occur.
Calls for a boycott of the TikTok Awards have intensified, with creators demanding accountability from TikTok, an independent review of event protocols, greater diversity among event staff and media partners, and assurances that creators of colour will not be sidelined at future events.
TikTok told Back Cover News it is actively investigating what occurred and has begun contacting affected creators. The platform did not directly address allegations involving media partners or the alleged directives on who could be photographed.
For many creators, TikTok’s apology is only a starting point. They say they want the platform — and the broader Australian media industry — to acknowledge and address deeper systemic issues around visibility, access and equitable treatment.
Back Cover News will continue to follow this story and has invited affected creators to share their experiences for a follow-up exclusive.
