Tiny TikTok and UFC star Hasbulla Magomedov is to be investigated by police after complaints about an online threat to burn down a hotel over its Israeli guests.
Chaos erupted in the Muslim-dominated Russian republic Dagestan when a violent mob tried to board a plane said to have Israeli passengers on 29th October.
A second mob surrounded the Flamino Hotel in Khasavyurt after a rumour emerged that Israeli refugees were staying there.
Now it has emerged that on a day before the unrest started Magomedov threatened in a social media post that the Flamingo would “turn into ashes”.
Magomedov, just 3ft 4ins tall, was reported by one of his horrified subscribers, says local media.
The 20-year-old social media star said on his Telegram profile: “We are against Jewish refugees! I appeal to everyone with a request not to rent out apartments.
“Don’t sell them houses don’t carry them in your cars do not serve them in establishments.
“All of you are witnesses to how Palestine sheltered them and what gratitude it received
“Today Palestinian children are dying at their hands, tomorrow it could affect our people! Maximum repost”
A second post ranted: “Hotel Flamingo, the city of Khasavyurt is full of Jews!
“When our people call them, they reject the phone or ignore it! The face of Dagestan!
“The face of the Caucasus! Evict them or your hotel will turn to ashes! Wake up, men of this ummah, and throw them out of there!”
The investigation creates a huge problem for UFC cage-fighting officials who have just signed up Magomedov to feature in their massively-selling video game.
He appears joining a fighter in his corner in UFC5, the latest generation of the game owned by EA Sports.
Local media reports that in later posts, Magomedov condemned the riots.
A criminal case has been opened into the riots and 83 people have already been detained, according to local media.
The prosecutor’s office has not made a comment on whether the investigation into Magomedov has been initiated.
The social media star, who has growth hormone deficiency, has become a huge star for his regular appearances ringside at UFC bouts.
Fans dubbed him Mini Khabib after the sport’s legendary fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov.
