TikTok Duo “Guttavibez” Sues Municipality Over Football Cup Cancellation
Kristiansand, Norway – The TikTok duo known as “Guttavibez” has initiated legal proceedings against the Kristiansand municipality after their rental agreement for Sørlandshallen was revoked just one week before a planned children’s football cup, citing a controversial marketing campaign as the reason for the reversal. The organizers, Chris André Formo, 25, and Tobias Asheim, 24, allege the municipality’s decision is an “adult power play” and are seeking a temporary injunction to reinstate the rental agreement.
The dispute centers around Sørlandshallen, a venue the municipality initially agreed to lease to “Guttavibez” for a football cup scheduled for Sunday, february 1st. A subsequent event was also planned for the following week in Oslo.However, the municipality reversed course after the duo advertised the event in a video that addressed what they considered the “ugliest girl’s name in Norway,” sparking public outcry and political debate.
“We have no other choice,” Formo and Asheim stated to VG, a Norwegian news outlet. “We have now taken legal action.”
According to the duo’s lawyer, Kristian Kleppe, the municipality’s decision to unilaterally break a binding lease agreement just one week before an event planned for 300 children and their families is legally questionable. “Like all other actors, the municipality must deal with concluded agreements,” Kleppe explained. “They cannot simply break a binding private law lease agreement in this way.”
The controversy began when the promotional video ignited reactions in the Sørlandet region, prompting politicians to address the matter within the Kristiansand municipality’s culture and sports committee. Following a meeting on Thursday, the committee voted to withdraw the lease.Raymond Larsen of Kristiansand Høyre told VG last week, “We cannot have actors who market their event by pitting groups against each other.”
“Guttavibez” had requested the municipality reconsider its decision by Tuesday, but received no response, leading to the legal challenge. They maintain they have addressed any concerns raised by the municipality and cooperated throughout the process.
Despite the legal action, the Kristiansand municipality has indicated it will not reverse its decision. A sports director for the municipality stated via SMS that they are standing by the culture and sports committee’s decision, and that the application for a temporary injunction does not change this. The municipality has also announced plans to open the hall on Sunday, allowing children and young people to “take football back.”
The situation is further intricate by reports that a venue in Oslo has also refused to rent to “Guttavibez.” Formo expressed fears of a “domino effect,” stating, “We have heard that the landlord in Oslo also refuses to rent to us.”
On Wednesday evening, SF Grei in Groruddalen confirmed they had also canceled a lease agreement with the duo. Chairperson Maria Nakken explained that the board concluded the event was “no longer compatible with our values and the duty we have,” citing concerns about the organizers’ behavior on social media.
“guttavibez” disputes the grounds for the cancellation, asserting it is a result of “political and public noise” rather than any issues with the event itself. They argue that children are now at risk of losing an event they were anticipating.
This is not the first time “Guttavibez” has faced scrutiny. Last autumn, the duo organized a football cup in Randaberghallen where prizes differed based on gender, with boys receiving scooters and football boots while girls received T-shirts and bags. They were also removed from the trial against Gjert Ingebrigtsen last year due to concerns about the sharing of information on social media platforms like TikTok.
The case is now before the Agder District Court, where “Guttavibez” hopes to secure a ruling that will allow them to proceed with their planned football cup. The outcome will likely set a precedent for the balance between freedom of expression, responsible marketing, and contractual obligations within municipal agreements.
