More “Happy” Videos Go Viral in Tehran

            Iranian youth have posted several videos of themselves dancing and lip synching to Pharell William’s hit “Happy.” One version featuring three women — without hijab — and three men went viral and led to the dancers’ arrest on May 20. They were pressured to express remorse on state television. But all six were released the following day, after people from across the world including Pharrell Williams condemned their detention via social media. A tweet on President Hassan Rouhani's semi-official account may have indicated disapproval of the detention: “Happiness is our people’s right. We shouldn’t be too hard on behaviors caused by joy.” The following are some of the latest videos from Iran.  

"Happy in Tehran" directed by Ehsan Azimi
 
 

Young Iranians dance in streets and parks around Tehran

 

"HAPPY – Pharell William’s Iranian Puppet Fans" by animator Mehdi Alibeygi
 

 

Clips of breakdancers from Tehran's Rahaa Crew put to "Happy"


"Happy [Tehran Dance Edition]" directed by Sassan Soleimani
This video was viewed more than 100,000 times on YouTube before the six dancers were arrested. It has been reposted several times.