Since when did having a little fun at work become grounds for dismissal? That’s the question former Alaska Airlines flight attendant Nelle Diala is asking after she was fired for twerking in uniform while waiting for her flight’s captain to arrive.
Diala, who shared the viral video on TikTok and Instagram, captioned it, “ghetto bih till i D-I-E, don’t let the uniform fool you.” She claims it was a victory dance to celebrate the end of her probationary period, but her celebration was cut short when the airline terminated her contract just six months into the job.
In a repost of the video after her firing, she questioned society’s sensitivity, writing, “Can’t even be yourself anymore, without the world being so sensitive. What’s wrong with a little twerk before work? People act like they’ve never done that before.”
The Backlash and GoFundMe Effort
Diala has since started a GoFundMe campaign, labeling herself a “wrongfully fired flight attendant” and hoping to raise $12,000. She shared her heartbreak, saying, “I never thought a single moment would cost me everything. Losing my job was devastating.”
Critics, however, were quick to slam both the twerk and the fundraiser. Comments poured in on social media, with some branding her actions disrespectful to the uniform. One commenter remarked, “You don’t respect the uniform, you don’t respect your job then,” while another added, “Go apply for a new job and probably stop twerking in uniform.”
Despite the backlash, Diala remains determined. Her flight attendant role helped her fund two side businesses—a lingerie line and a dessert venture. While both ventures are still growing, she’s using this setback as motivation to move forward.
The Debate on Workplace Fun
The incident has sparked a debate: Should a lighthearted dance be grounds for losing your livelihood? While some argue workplace professionalism is key, others believe that Diala’s actions were harmless.
For now, Diala is moving on—but not without a defiant twerk. As she puts it, “What’s wrong with a little fun before work?”
