A TikTok video featuring Aurukun man Eric Yunkaporta has resurfaced and is being misused as part of a viral “FaceTime prank,” sparking backlash from his family and First Nations communities.
Originally posted three years ago, the video is now being downloaded and manipulated to make it appear as though users are video calling Yunkaporta. The trend has spread across various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.
Yunkaporta’s cousins, Eloise and Leona Yunkaporta, expressed their disappointment, calling the misuse of the video “disgusting.”
“It’s bullying and making a mockery out of First Nations people,” said town councilor Leona Yunkaporta. “They don’t understand how we feel.”
The family was shocked to see Eric’s image circulating online without his consent. According to Eloise Yunkaporta, Eric was unaware of the trend until they informed him. “We’ve explained how serious this has become, and he said, ‘I don’t want that [on there]. I want to take it down.’”
First Nations content creators have also condemned the trend. Wiradjuri and Mununjali creator Isaac Compton described it as leaving a “bad taste in my mouth” and said it reflects ongoing racism in society. Meanwhile, Palawa photographer Wayne Quilliam urged people to reflect on how they treat others online, highlighting his award-winning portrait of Yunkaporta as a counter to the discrimination.
Although some TikTok users have apologized for taking part in the trend, the family believes the damage has already been done. “It’s a little too late because it’s caused a lot of upset,” they said.
TikTok responded by stating that while sharing content from other users does not violate their guidelines, they have taken action to limit visibility on certain suggestions related to the trend. However, videos featuring Eric’s image remain accessible on the platform.
