6 Iranians Arrested for Making 'Happy' Dance Video
- Carrie Dedrick
- Updated May 21, 2014
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The viral trend of making dance videos to Pharrell Williams’ “Happy,” has landed six Iranian young adults in jail.
The video, called “Happy in Tehran” features young men and woman dancing by themselves and together. They appear to be enjoying themselves by letting loose. The women in the video are not wearing the head scarfs required by the Islamic Republic.
At the conclusion of the clip, a message appears on the screen. “‘Happy’ was an excuse to be happy. We enjoyed every second of making it. Hope it puts a smile on your face.”
The Islamic Republic called the video “vulgar” and “obnoxious,” though the dancing is not suggestive or inappropriate.
Tehran police chief Hossein Sajedinia said the video was “a vulgar clip which hurt public chastity.”
The young adults featured in the video reported that they were told the video would not be aired. They were forced to apologize for the act on state television.
Pharrell Williams said on Twitter, “It’s beyond sad these kids were arrested for trying to spread happiness.”
The view can be viewed on The Blaze.
Publication date: May 21, 2014