Parents of child content creator Adobea speak after backlash over viral Smirnoff video

Parents of child content creator Adobea have spoken following intense public backlash over a viral video that appeared to show the 12-year-old drinking from a bottle of Smirnoff.

The video, which circulated widely on social media on September 1, 2026, showed Adobea with what appeared to be a Smirnoff bottle while an adult woman sat beside her.

The footage immediately sparked concern among Ghanaians, with many questioning why a child was being seen with an alcoholic beverage and why adults around her did not intervene.

The controversy intensified because Adobea is a popular young content creator with a significant following, raising concerns about the influence such imagery could have on children who watch her content.

Ghanaian media personality Nana Aba Anamoah was among those who strongly criticised the adults involved. She questioned the judgement of the grown-ups who were present, particularly the person who filmed and shared the video instead of stopping the situation.

However, Adobea and her team have since sought to clarify what happened.

According to Adobea, the bottle did not contain alcohol. She explained that it had been filled with water and was being used as a prop during the production of content.

TikToker Efya Gongon, who was reportedly involved in the video, also apologised and explained that the footage was connected to a content project intended to educate children about the dangers of alcohol. She nevertheless admitted that involving a minor in such a scene was a mistake.

Adobea subsequently apologised to the public, acknowledging that the image of her holding an alcohol-branded bottle could understandably cause concern.