Many viewers were stunned on social media after a viral video captured a moment showing a TikTok ‘tip-shaming’ customer who couldn’t afford a 20% gratuity.
A TikTok user has sparked controversy online after publicly calling out a restaurant customer for leaving a small tip.
The video, posted by user “KingJ24,” quickly went viral, racking up nearly 700,000 views.
TikTok ‘tip shames’ customer who couldn’t afford 20% gratuity
On social media, a user, who goes by @kingj023241 shared a video on Tiktok showing the disputed tip.
KingJ24 shared a receipt from Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar in Staten Island, showing a meal totaling $73.45.
The footage showed the bill suggested a tip of either 18% ($12.14) or 20% ($13.49).
However, the customer left only $6.55. Along with the tip, the patron wrote: “You was great. Holidays are just rough right now.”
They added a sad face to the message.
The video quickly went viral and sparked debate on social media.
In his TikTok video, KingJ24 displayed the receipt while playing the song “Oh No” by Capone-N-Noreaga, signaling his disapproval. The clip quickly went viral, with viewers sharing mixed opinions.
One person said: A tip is by discretion. Should not have to rely on tips and view them as a bonus.
A second wrote: At least they left SOMETHING, better than nothing. Be grateful.
While a third commented: Someone gave me a $30 tip today. He said if I wanted more than just the tip it would be $60
Another added: Expected. How wrong is that waiter. A tip is voluntary not a right.
Someone else said: I don’t get tipped for doing a good job in my job. Managers should be giving their staff decent wages. Other people should not pick up the slack.
Others pointed out that restaurants should pay their workers a fair wage, shifting the responsibility away from customers to provide tips.
@kingj24__ Your thought? 🤔 #SnowballFightAgainstHunger #JBLGreekOut #CustomersMostLoved #fyp
Arguments about tipping etiquette on social media
While some supported the customer, others argued that if you can’t afford it, you shouldn’t dine out.
One commenter stated: If I can’t afford a 20% tip, then I’m not going out for a $80 meal.
Another added: If money is tight, don’t eat out. The server needs the tip money to support her family too.”
A person claiming to know the server involved reached out to The Post, confirming that the server, Dana G., had no part in posting the receipt.
According to this source, Dana was upset by the situation.
This incident is just one example of a wider conversation about tipping culture.
Last month, another viral TikTok video featured a Tennessee waitress, Liny, sharing pay stubs showing she earned just one cent for six weeks of work.
While some believe the customer’s tip was inadequate, others argue that the focus should be on fair wages for workers.
What do you think about this incident?