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Khaby Lame, the world’s most-followed TikTok star, left the content community quite shaken as he was made to leave the United States of America after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Las Vegas for allegedly overstaying his visa.
According to a spokesperson for ICE, Khaby Lame, whose legal name is Seringe Khabane Lame, was detained at the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas for allegedly overstaying his visa. He had entered the United States on April 30 and was given the option to leave voluntarily without a formal deportation order, which he accepted. This voluntary departure allows him to avoid a deportation record, which could have affected his ability to re-enter the US in the future.
Notably, this comes amid President Donald Trump's escalating crackdown on immigration, comprising raids in Los Angeles that led to days of protests against ICE.
Who is Khaby Lame?
Khaby Lame is a Senegalese-Italian social media personality who gained global fame through his TikTok videos. Lame transformed himself from being a laid-off factory worker during the COVID-19 pandemic to the most-followed TikTok creator globally. Known for his silent yet expressive reactions to overly complicated "life hacks," his rise to fame has been meteoric.
As of June 2025, he holds the title of the most-followed TikTok creator, boasting over 162 million followers.
Khaby Lame's estimated net worth:
Khaby Lame's financial success mirrors his massive popularity on social media platforms. According to various sources, his net worth in 2024 was estimated to be between $26 million and $16.5 million, reflecting his diverse income streams and investments.
Income sources:
TikTok earnings: Lame's primary source of income stems from TikTok.
He reportedly earns between $500,000 to $850,000 per sponsored post, depending on the brand collaboration. For instance, he earned $1 million promoting QNB Bank and the Binance Crypto App.Instagram and other platforms: On Instagram, Lame charges $20,000 per post. He also maintains a presence on YouTube, where he has over 9 million subscribers and generates additional revenue through ad monetization.Brand endorsements and collaborations: Lame has partnered with several high-profile brands, including Hugo Boss, Juventus FC, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Dream11, and Xbox.
These collaborations not only bolster his income but also enhance his visibility across various industries.Merchandising: Capitalizing on his brand, Lame launched his own merchandise line, Khabyshop, where he sells apparel and accessories. This venture adds another revenue stream to his diverse income portfolio.
Real estate investments:
Lame has invested in real estate across Europe, which speaks for his financial acumen. His portfolio includes properties in Milan, Florence, Lake Como, Paris, Nice, Brussels, and Antwerp, collectively valued at approximately $10 million.
Lifestyle and expenditures:
Lame's success has afforded him a luxurious lifestyle. His car collection includes high-end vehicles such as a Lamborghini Huracán, Audi Q8, BMW X6, Porsche 911, and a Volvo XC60. Additionally, he resides in a multimillion-dollar mansion equipped with amenities like a swimming pool, home theater, tennis court, and a wine cellar, reflecting his elevated status.
Expanding horizons: Acting career
Beyond social media, Lame is venturing into acting. He made a cameo in the Italian-dubbed version of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) and appeared in Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024). In June 2024, his unscripted comedy series, Khaby Is Coming to America, premiered on Tubi, marking a significant step in his entertainment career.
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