A woman featured in a viral TikTok video has called out the influencer behind it for her discomfort.
The woman expressed how the so-called “random act of kindness” turned into an unwanted and dehumanizing experience.
The viral video that sparked outrage
The viral TikTok, posted by influencer Harrison Pawluk, shows him approaching a stranger at a shopping center and gifting her flowers.
The video quickly gained attention on social media. It appeared to be a heartwarming act of kindness—until the woman at the center of it spoke out.
Many viewers also express their heart warming this moment.
One person said: A true act of kindness (which is an expression of love).
A second wrote: how beautiful is this young man.. generous
While a third commented: That’s a lovely gesture from you both and am pretty sure those people who benefited will always keep you in their hearts. Well done Tanya.xx
Someone else said: It’s been many years since a handsome young man gave me flowers, I’d love it.
The woman’s response to the video
In an interview with ABC Radio, the woman explained that she found the experience more of an inconvenience than a pleasant surprise. She described the act as “dehumanizing,” noting that Pawluk filmed and uploaded the encounter without her consent.
“I was just trying to enjoy my quiet time,” she said. “Instead, I was interrupted and filmed for content.”
The woman explained that Pawluk had asked her to hold the flowers while he grabbed a jacket from his bag. After handing her the flowers, he left, claiming she could keep them. However, she soon realized that someone was filming the entire interaction from a distance. When she asked if they were recording her, they denied it.
Her unwanted viral moment
What started as a minor annoyance turned into a much bigger issue when the video went viral, accompanied by an article that added fuel to the fire. The article labeled her as an “elderly woman” with a “heartbreaking tale,” paired with a picture of her that made her feel objectified.
“I felt dehumanized,” she said. “They used my image and story for clickbait.”
The influencer’s response after woman slammed for video
In response, Harrison Pawluk’s team defended the video, explaining that the goal was to spread kindness, not seek internet fame. They clarified that they didn’t intend to upset anyone and encouraged people to reach out if they felt uncomfortable with the content.
“We didn’t intend to cause concern,” they said. “We just wanted to make someone smile.”
The team also noted that they were not required to seek consent, as the video was filmed in a public space.
While random acts of kindness are often celebrated on social media, this incident highlights the potential consequences of filming unsuspecting strangers. What was meant to be a feel-good gesture became a source of discomfort and frustration for the woman involved. It serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned content can have unintended negative impacts.