Tiktok Dance Trend Faces Backlash for Mocking Murdered Teen

WHO:

TMZ - The individuals involved in the TikTok trend are users of the platform, and the trend specifically references the murder of Texas teen Austin Metcalf.

NY Post - Karmelo Anthony, a 19-year-old, was sentenced for the murder of Austin Metcalf.

WHAT:

TMZ - TikTok users are posting videos that appear to mock the killing of Austin Metcalf.

NY Post - The trend involves users dancing to a rap song called "Austin Bop" and reenacting the murder of Metcalf, with some participants pretending to stab themselves with knives.

WHERE:

TMZ - The trend is occurring on the social media platform TikTok.

NY Post - The murder took place in Texas.

WHEN:

NY Post - Karmelo Anthony was sentenced this month to 35 years for the murder of Austin Metcalf.

WHY:

NY Post - The trend is seen as a sickening response to the death of Austin Metcalf, with users seemingly celebrating the act of violence.

HOW:

NY Post - Users are dancing and reenacting the murder while the song "Austin Bop" plays in the background.

(UPDATED June 25, 2026 04:22 UTC)

In a disturbing trend on TikTok, users are posting videos that mock the murder of Texas teen Austin Metcalf, with some participants dancing to a rap song called "Austin Bop" while reenacting the crime. Karmelo Anthony, a 19-year-old, was recently sentenced to 35 years for the murder of Metcalf, which has sparked this sickening response on social media. The trend has drawn widespread attention as it appears to celebrate the act of violence, with some users even pretending to stab themselves with knives during their performances.