Irish Influencer Faces Backlash for Papua Tribal TikTok Stunt

Irish influencer Dara Tah faced widespread criticism after attempting to approach a remote Indigenous tribe in Papua, Indonesia, which he labeled a 'cannibal tribe,' for a TikTok video. Despite warnings from his local guide and tourists about the hostility of the tribe, including one tribesman pointing a bow and arrow at their boat, Tah tried to signal peace by offering packets of salt, which was rejected. The incident, captured on video with millions of views, sparked backlash for exploiting the tribe and disturbing their peaceful way of life. Critics also highlighted the dangers of contacting isolated tribes, including the risk of exposing them to deadly diseases. Tah, known for performing risky stunts to grow his social media following, did not retreat immediately and vowed to return. The controversy underscores ongoing concerns about influencer ethics and the impact of social media on vulnerable indigenous communities.