alaska Airlines Flight Attendant Fired After Viral Twerking TikTok Video Sparks Controversy
In a story that has ignited heated debates across social media,Nelle Diala,a flight attendant for Alaska Airlines,was fired after uploading a video of herself twerking in uniform on TikTok. The incident, which occurred in late November 2024, has drawn widespread attention, with supporters and critics clashing over the airline’s decision.
Diala, who had just completed her training and was on probation, filmed the video while preparing for a morning flight. The plane was empty, and she decided to dance to the song “ghetto” by musician EKE, wearing her Alaska Airlines uniform. The video quickly went viral, amassing over 90,000 views. While many viewers enjoyed the lighthearted clip, the airline did not share the same sentiment.
According to diala, she was dismissed without warning or examination. “I explained that the video was not intended to hurt anyone or the company, but they didn’t listen. Without warning, they fired me—no discussion, no chance to defend myself, and no proper investigation,” she told Business Insider on January 18, 2025.
In response, Diala re-uploaded the video with a new caption: “Can’t be myself anymore in such a sensitive world. What’s wrong with a little twerk before work? People act as if they’ve never done it before,” accompanied by the hashtag #discriminationisreal.
The video sparked a flood of reactions on social media. Some users sided with the airline, arguing that Diala violated company policies. “of course, he deserved to lose his job. He violated Alaska Airlines’ social media policies, which every employee agrees to follow upon hire,” one TikTok user commented. Another added, “There’s nothing wrong with twerking before work, but doing it while in uniform and on company property is inappropriate.”
on the other hand, Diala’s supporters rallied behind her, with many contributing to a GoFundMe campaign she launched. “Shame on Alaska Airlines for being so sensitive. We will support you through your GoFundMe,” the site stated.
Alaska Airlines, however, has remained tight-lipped about the incident. A representative told Business Insider, “We hold all flight attendants to high standards in terms of behavior and guest care. All new flight attendants are subject to a probationary period, as are all Alaska Airlines employees.”
The controversy raises questions about the boundaries of personal expression in the workplace, especially in the age of social media. While some argue that Diala’s actions where harmless,others believe she crossed a line by representing the airline in a way that could be seen as unprofessional.
Key Points summary
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Incident | Nelle Diala fired after uploading a twerking video in uniform on TikTok. |
| Date of Incident | Late November 2024 |
| Video Views | Over 90,000 views |
| Airline Response | Accused Diala of violating social media policy; no comment on personnel matters. |
| Public Reaction | Mixed, with some supporting Diala and others siding with the airline. |
| GoFundMe Campaign | Launched by Diala to garner support from the public. |
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the intersection of social media and workplace policies remains a contentious issue. What do you think? Should employees have more freedom to express themselves online, or do companies have the right to enforce strict guidelines? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
For more updates on this story, follow the latest developments on TikTok and twitter.
Workplace expression vs. Corporate Policies: Expert Insights on the alaska airlines Twerking controversy
In late November 2024, Alaska Airlines flight attendant Nelle Diala was fired after a video of her twerking in uniform went viral on TikTok. The incident has sparked a heated debate about personal expression, workplace policies, and the role of social media in professional settings.To delve deeper into the issue, we sat down with Dr. Emily Carter, a workplace culture and social media ethics expert, to discuss the implications of this controversy.
The Incident: What Happened and Why It Matters
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with the basics. Nelle Diala, a probationary flight attendant, posted a video of herself twerking in uniform on TikTok. The video went viral, and she was afterward fired. What are your initial thoughts on this incident?
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me. This incident is a fascinating case study in the intersection of personal expression and corporate policies. On one hand, diala’s video was clearly meant to be lighthearted and fun. Conversely, alaska Airlines has strict guidelines about employee behavior, especially when it comes to representing the company in public spaces like social media. the key question here is whether diala’s actions crossed a line that warranted termination, especially during her probationary period.
Corporate Policies and Employee conduct
Senior Editor: Alaska Airlines cited a violation of their social media policy as the reason for Diala’s dismissal. How common are such policies in the corporate world, and how do they typically address employee behavior on social media?
Dr. Emily Carter: Social media policies are increasingly common,especially in industries like aviation where employees are seen as direct representatives of the brand. Thes policies frequently enough outline what is considered acceptable behavior, both on and off duty, particularly when employees are in uniform or on company property. The challenge is balancing these policies with employees’ rights to personal expression.In Diala’s case, the airline likely viewed her video as a breach of professionalism, especially as it was filmed on company property and while she was in uniform.
Senior Editor: The video sparked a massive reaction on social media, with some supporting Diala and others siding with the airline. What does this polarized response tell us about the role of social media in shaping public opinion on workplace issues?
Dr. Emily Carter: Social media has become a powerful platform for amplifying workplace disputes,frequently enough turning them into public spectacles. In Diala’s case, the video’s virality meant that the incident was no longer just an internal HR matter—it became a public debate about corporate culture, employee rights, and even societal norms. The polarized reactions reflect broader societal tensions around issues like personal freedom, professionalism, and the power dynamics between employers and employees.
Personal Expression vs.professional Boundaries
Senior Editor: Diala argued that her video was harmless and not intended to harm the company.Where do you draw the line between personal expression and professional boundaries, especially in the age of social media?
Dr. Emily Carter: This is a complex issue. While employees should have the freedom to express themselves, they also need to be mindful of how their actions reflect on their employer. In Diala’s case, the fact that she was in uniform and on company property likely influenced the airline’s decision. However, the lack of a formal investigation or warning raises questions about due process. Companies need to strike a balance between enforcing policies and treating employees fairly, especially when their actions don’t result in tangible harm to the organization.
Lessons for Employers and Employees
Senior Editor: What lessons can employers and employees take away from this controversy?
Dr. Emily Carter: For employers, this incident highlights the importance of clear, well-communicated social media policies and fair disciplinary processes. Terminating an employee without warning or investigation can damage morale and public perception. For employees, it’s a reminder to be mindful of how their actions, even in seemingly private moments, can have professional consequences. Both sides need to navigate these issues with empathy and a commitment to mutual respect.
