“Workers Are Tired of Abuse”: SA Chimes In As Waitress Throws Food at Customer in Video

• A waitress threw food at a customer in a fast-food restaurant, sparking a heated debate online after a video of the incident went viral on TikTok
• The clip showcased the waitress visibly angered and retaliating after the customer flipped her off
• The incident has reignited conversations about the treatment of service staff and the challenges they face in dealing with rude customers, with many sympathising with the waitress's frustration
• Briefly News asked occupational therapist Sinqobile Mdlalose which strategies or approaches can help individuals manage stress and burnout in high-pressure environments

Bathong! A video of a waitress hurling food at customers has gone viral on TikTok, attracting more than four million views and sparking heated debate online.

The clip, filmed in what appears to be a fast-food restaurant, shows a waitress visibly angered as she throws food at the customer who walked away by making a gesture with a middle finger towards the waitress.

It is not clear what prompted the waitress to react in such a manner, but the incident has divided opinions on social media. Some viewers sympathised with the waitress, suggesting she had been provoked by the customer, while others, however, criticised her reaction, saying it was unprofessional and could have escalated the situation.

The video that was shared by TikTok user @belinda.mtz14 on 1 September 2025 has gained over 4.4 million views along with thousands of likes and comments. It has also reignited wider conversations about the treatment of service staff.

It's unclear where the incident took place in America, but many pointed out that waiters and waitresses often endure rude behaviour from customers, but emphasised that retaliating in such a manner risks reputational damage for both the employee and the establishment.

Briefly News asked occupational therapist Sinqobile Mdlalose about effective strategies to support individuals coping with stress and burnout in high-pressure work environments. She explained:

"Occupational therapists play a vital role in helping individuals regain balance, resilience, and meaningful engagement in their work and daily lives. OT’s focus on enabling people to engage in meaningful activities that support recovery, coping, and a sense of purpose."

SA reacts to waitress and customer food incident

Social media users took to the comments section to share their mixed reactions on the waitress and customer, saying:

Wendy Yaritza Chavez said:

"Employees are starting to get tired of the verbal abuse. Good for her."

Heather706 wrote:

"The customer is not always right."

Rike Man expressed:

"People working in fast food are tired of the abuse."

Me E shared:

"As a cashier in a grocery store with very ghetto customers, my manager has allowed us to not have to wait on disrespectful customers. We tell them to leave our line, or we get security. That way, our job is protected, and the customer cannot get their groceries and has to leave."

User replied:

"These people get too comfortable harassing service workers. Then, when we defend ourselves, is it an issue?"

God's Angel commented:

"I’m definitely on the worker side. She’s tired!"

Watch the video below:

3 More stories on waitresses by Briefly News

• A viral TikTok showing an American tourist giving a life-changing tip to a RocoMamas waitress touched South Africans.
• A young South African waitress caused a stir on social media after revealing the impressive amount of cash she made during a gruelling 16-hour shift this May.
• South Africans were touched by a TikTok video of Spur waitress Nomfundo Mbatha, who used her tips to buy a trolley full of groceries for her grateful grandparents, showcasing the power of family love and generosity.

Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News