Rød Ungdom Faces Backlash for TikTok Video Joking About Oslo Embassy Bombing
Oslo, Norway – Rød Ungdom (Red Youth), the youth wing of the Norwegian political party Rødt (Red), is facing widespread criticism after posting a TikTok video that appeared to joke about the bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Oslo. The video, which has since been removed by TikTok for violating platform guidelines, sparked outrage from across the political spectrum and prompted a strong rebuke from Rødt itself.
Video Content and Initial Reaction
The video featured a girl with the inscription: “When he’s lowkey he’s ugly, but he tried to blow up the American embassy so it’s okay.” The post referenced the recent arrest of three brothers in connection with the bombing that damaged the U.S. Embassy last weekend. Sofia Rana, a prominent politician with Rødt, commented on the video with a message of support, writing “Take care now” accompanied by a sweating face emoji, according to reports.
Rødt Distances Itself from Youth Wing’s Post
Reidar Strisland, party secretary of Rødt, swiftly condemned the video, stating, “Rødt completely disassociates itself from all forms of violence and terror and expects Rød Ungdom to do the same. This is not funny.” MSN, NRK, Dagbladet, and Idag all reported on Strisland’s statement.
Rød Ungdom Defends Video as Satire
Rød Ungdom defended the video as humor and satire, arguing it was intended to highlight what they perceive as a double standard in public reaction. Zelda Borgersund Øgrim, a central board member of the youth organization and responsible for social media, stated that the video aimed to spark a larger discussion about U.S. Foreign policy and the perceived disparity in reactions to attacks on the U.S. Embassy versus U.S. Military actions abroad. They also pointed to a post on their website naming the three brothers involved in the bombing as “Hero of the Week,” justifying it by referencing the attack on the embassy.
Political Reactions
The video drew sharp criticism from other political parties. Simen Velle of the Progress Party (Frp) expressed disappointment, linking it to previous controversies involving Rød Ungdom leader Amrit Kaur. Vebjørn Selbekk, editor of Dagen, called the video a “no-go,” emphasizing that opposition to terror and violence should be universal. Omar Svendsen-Yagci, leader of Unge Venstre (Young Liberals), described the video as “disgusting.”
Abid Raja, deputy leader of the Liberal Party, criticized Rødt’s local representatives in Oslo City Council for not strongly distancing themselves from the video, particularly Sofia Rana’s seemingly supportive comment.
Rød Ungdom Leader’s Response
Halvor Bergkvist, leader of Rød Ungdom, stated he had only given a “quick thumbs up” for the video’s publication and acknowledged the negative reactions. He emphasized that Rød Ungdom dissociates itself from violence and terrorism, but also noted that TikTok removed the video for violating its guidelines, not by their own initiative.