Alaska Airlines recently made headlines after firing a flight attendant, Nelle Diala, for twerking in her uniform in a TikTok video that went viral. The incident occurred during a two-hour waiting period for the captain to arrive, and while it started as a celebratory dance, it ended with her termination.
The viral TikTok video, captioned “ghetto bih till I D-I-E, don’t let the uniform fool you,” featured Diala twerking in her Alaska Airlines uniform to celebrate the end of her probationary period. However, the airline terminated her contract just six months after her employment began, citing unprofessional behavior that damaged the company’s reputation.
Alaska Airlines Twerking Incident Sparks Debate
After being fired, Diala took to TikTok to repost the viral video with the caption:
“Can’t even be yourself anymore, without the world being so sensitive. What’s wrong with a little twerk before work? People act like they never did that before.”
Her post included the hashtag #discriminationisreal, suggesting she believed her termination was unfair. The incident quickly divided social media users, with many defending Diala’s actions and others criticizing her for disrespecting the airline’s uniform and professionalism.
One critic commented, “You don’t respect the uniform, you don’t respect your job then. Terms and Conditions apply.” On the other hand, a supporter wrote, “She’s not disrupting service, and no one is on the aircraft. Why fire her?”
Alaska Airlines Viral TikTok Video Leads to Fundraising Effort
In the wake of her dismissal, Diala launched a GoFundMe campaign to support herself financially. On the campaign page, she wrote:
“I never thought a single moment would cost me everything. Losing my job was devastating.”
The fundraiser aims to help her manage expenses until she secures a new job, and it has drawn mixed reactions from netizens.
Workplace Professionalism in the Spotlight
The Alaska Airlines viral TikTok video has reignited discussions about the balance between personal expression and professional conduct in the workplace. While some argue that Diala’s actions were harmless and celebratory, others believe that the airline was justified in enforcing strict professionalism to protect its brand.
This controversy underscores the potential consequences of mixing personal content with professional environments, especially in the age of social media where a single post can reach millions. Alaska Airlines stands firm in its decision, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of its brand and its employees’ professional image.
Key Takeaways from the Alaska Airlines Twerking Controversy
- The incident: Nelle Diala twerked in her uniform and posted the video on TikTok, celebrating the end of her probationary period.
- The response: Alaska Airlines fired her, citing unprofessional conduct.
- The aftermath: Diala launched a GoFundMe campaign, claiming wrongful termination, and sparked an online debate about workplace professionalism.
The Alaska Airlines twerking video has become a cautionary tale, reminding employees of the importance of adhering to workplace codes of conduct, especially in the public eye. As social media continues to blur the lines between personal and professional lives, the need for clear guidelines and mutual understanding grows stronger.