A Mr Bean impressionist was devastated after he got banned from TikTok - for 'posing as another person to mislead others'. Lewis John, 27, works full time as an impersonator, and is regularly booked to attend events and do video appearances as the character played by Rowan Atkinson.
But he was astonished when he got locked out of his account - which has 1.1million followers. A message from the app said he had breached rules and wasn't allowed to “pose as another real person or entity… without disclosing it” or present “as a person or entity that does not exist… with a demonstrated intent to mislead others”.
The site told Lewis his account “cannot be restored” after he lost an appeal. But after it was contacted for comment, his account was restored.
Lewis, from Grantham, Lincs., said: “It was absolutely unfair and ridiculous. “I joined TikTok in 2018 and went viral during the coronavirus >Covid lockdowns.
“My account eventually reached one million followers but when I logged in on Tuesday I was told I had violated the community guidelines. TikTok had been happy for me to express my talent for more than four years and then I was banned without a word of warning.
“I appealed against the decision immediately but they upheld their decision. I felt like I had lost a friend.
“But one of my followers spotted my videos were back online on Wednesday morning and called me while I was shopping at Morrison’s. I dropped everything to log back in and it was just absolute relief and happiness. I feel like it is such a gift.
“I think I’ll celebrate later on with a Chinese takeaway and a livestream with my followers. My next stop is to catch Rowan Atkinson’s attention.
“My dream would be to start voicing the animated Mr Bean TV show because he doesn’t do it anymore. They could be looking for a person like me who can do Rowan’s voice.”
Lewis is a lifelong Mr Bean fan who first posted his impressions online in 2017. He dresses up in his iconic tweed jacket and red tie to imitate his voice and mannerisms.
Lewis said: “When I was a kid I watched Mr Bean every day. I was a huge fan. I started out on YouTube in 2017 when there were no impersonators on there able to do his voice.
“I thought I would have a go but it wasn’t until I hit 100,000 followers on TikTok that I realised how good people thought I was. I want more information from TikTok about how I was banned and how I can make sure I am completely on the right side of the rules going forward.
“But they are so difficult to get in touch with. TikTok is my full-time job. My income comes from gifts people sent me when I did a livestream.
“It varies from month to month but it was enough to support me, my wife and our two children. People loved my account and I just didn’t see what the harm was in allowing me to continue.
“I only found out their rules on impersonation after looking them up after my ban. Apparently you can only do impressions if you explicitly say in your bio that you are a parody or a fan account so I have now added that to mine.”
TikTok declined to comment on the record.
