TikTok distances itself from Luh Twizzy trend

There is a prevailing belief that the Luh Twizzy trend originated on TikTok, however, the Chinese video platform has denied these claims. 

In a recent statement provided to The Citizen, TikTok said: “The safety and well-being of our community is a top priority at TikTok. While circulating reports claim that the Luh Twizzy challenge originated on TikTok, upon investigation, we can confirm we have not seen any evidence that suggests this may be the case”. 

TikTok went on to reference its Community Guidelines, adding: “We do not allow content that encourages, promotes, or glorifies dangerous challenges that might lead to injury or damage to property”.

“As a platform, we always aim to strike a good balance between enabling free speech and preventing harmful violative content. We encourage everyone to exercise caution in their behaviour whether online or off,” concluded TikTok.

What is a Luh Twizzy?

Trending videos of scores of teenagers invading malls with no visible aim have proliferated across social media, leaving those who have seen the videos with two main questions; what the heck is a Luh Twizzy and why are they invading malls?

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One curious social media chose to pose the question to her younger brother who explained that a Luh Twizzy is a new term used to describe a young person who is a cross between someone who dresses in Y2K-inspired fashion and the “vamp” aesthetic. 

For more on the aesthetic attached to this new identity, read our explainer. 

Where do malls come in? 

Trending videos have shown young people meeting at malls en masse and they have since been lumped under the Luh Twizzy category. 

Because those who fall under this category also happen to be school-going age, a number of them are on holiday and are said to have turned to this concerning trend to pass the time.  

Even more concerning is the fact that there are videos showing teens at these mass meetings getting into some pretty violent physical altercations. 

Unconfirmed reports have emerged that one person died as a result of these activities, however, Mall of Africa has denied this after looking into the claims which were linked to its property.

Police also denied that any inquest or docket had been opened over a death linked to this trend. 

IOL reports that the mall said it had a zero-tolerance approach to disruptive behaviours on its premises.

“Our utmost priority is to ensure that our shoppers, tenants and staff remain well protected whilst frequenting our shopping centre.

“We are working closely with Saps officials and our private security firm to investigate this matter further and to mitigate any future disruptions to our retail community,” said Mall of Africa in a statement. 

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