Summary
Highlights
A TikToker named Zarya filmed an 'outfit of the day' video outside Fior Gelato Cafe in Fort Worth, Texas, while holding a Dunkin' Donuts drink. A staff member approached her about the outside drink, which Zarya initially perceived as lighthearted. After this interaction, Zarya decided to enter the cafe, bought a cheese Danish, but was then asked to leave because of her outside drink. This incident garnered over 10 million views and significant negative comments from viewers who criticized the cafe for letting her purchase something before kicking her out.
Zarya clarified that she filmed on the cafe's property, unintended to enter, but decided to try their food after the initial interaction. She wasn't told about the 'no outside drink' policy until after she paid for a Danish and intended to sit down. She also mentioned that the cafe reached out about receiving hate, including death threats, which she condemned. The cafe's Google reviews were heavily review-bombed, dropping significantly before Google intervened.
Other TikTokers created response videos, mostly siding with Zarya and criticizing the cafe's handling of the situation. Some even went to the cafe with outside drinks to show solidarity. The owner's daughter messaged Zarya, explaining the severe impact of the backlash, including death threats and a rapid influx of negative reviews, and pleaded with Zarya to remove the video. Zarya, while expressing sympathy for the scale of the hate, declined to remove the video, stating her intention was not to cause harm but to share her experience.
Fior Gelato Cafe released an official statement on TikTok, apologizing for any misconstrued tone and reiterating their 'no outside food or drink' policy. They claimed the situation was taken out of context and that Zarya was never 'kicked out' but merely informed of their policy. They also confirmed filing a report due to the threats received and asked for the harassment to stop, emphasizing that there are real people behind the small business.
The video concludes by reiterating that death threats or excessive hate are unacceptable, regardless of differing opinions. The main point of contention for many was the cafe allowing Zarya to make a purchase before enforcing their policy. The host encourages viewers to share their thoughts on who was in the right or wrong and whether the situation warranted such a strong response.