TikTok is becoming a popular platform for workers to uncover and raise awareness of workplace conflicts.
For example, in June 2023, a user documented her company removing grass from a customer who refused to pay for his landscaping services. Another user went viral after claiming Ye (formerly Kanye West) never paid for his services after she gave him a facial.
Now another user has sparked a discussion on the platform after claiming a “millionaire” customer refused to pay his C$32,000 ($23,771) bill.
In a video with over 22,000 views, TikTok user Keren (@abcimhappy123), a “Certified Cosmetic Nurse Injector” who works in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, claims on her Instagram that she provided services to a client who was a Spa owns and describes himself as a millionaire. Nevertheless, he has refused to pay the bills for months.
“As an independent contractor, you're basically just billing for the services you provide, and it's the responsibility of the person who hires you to pay you on time,” Keren says in her video. “We've been working for this man for two years, so it's not the first time he hasn't paid us on time, but it's the first time he's been more than three months late.”
“We’re not talking about loose change here,” she continues. “We’re talking $32,000.”
As the video continues, Keren says she made several attempts to get him to pay his bill. This included calls, text messages, Zoom meetings and more. So far, none of these efforts have been effective.
“We need payment for November, December and this month for January,” she said. “And the craziest thing is that in the same meetings where he says he's going to take a little longer to pay us, he's bragging about how much money he's making and how he's selling different companies and all these things. Make it make sense.”
At the end of the video, she says that she is on her way to meet the person to confront him about his lack of pay.
@abcimhappy123
I hope this finds the right side of Tiktok
♬ Original sound – Keren Whitney
In several follow-up videos, she explains that she doesn't know why she continues to work with him after a series of late payments, but he promised to pay soon. We reached out via Instagram direct message to see if there was an update on her situation.
Regardless, users shared their thoughts about Keren's situation in the comments section of her videos.
“Life tip: Those who brag about money often don’t have any,” said one user.
“Once you receive payment, charge for services in advance!” exclaimed another. “I’ve had to do this in the past with customers who didn’t respect my business.”
“It’s ALWAYS the rich who have to be hounded for pay,” claimed a third. “Ridiculous.”
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*First published: January 28, 2024, 9:00 am CST
Braden Bjella
Braden Bjella is a culture writer. His work can be found in Mixmag, Electronic Beats, Schon! magazine and more.
