Popular Kenyan dancer Tileh Pacbro has spoken out about a harrowing experience in Madrid, where he and a friend were briefly treated as suspects following a robbery incident.

In a video shared online, Pacbro captured the moment police officers confronted them soon after the robbery occurred nearby. The footage has since gone viral, sparking intense debate on racial profiling and discrimination against Africans abroad.

The award-winning dancer expressed disappointment at how quickly they were linked to the crime despite having no involvement.

“This was one of the scariest experiences of my life,” he said, questioning whether the officers’ response was influenced more by race than genuine suspicion.

The incident has triggered an outpouring of reactions on social media, with many Kenyans and Africans abroad sharing their own experiences of systemic bias in foreign countries. Others called for greater awareness and protection of Africans living and working overseas.