While shopping at an Explore Afar in a Michigan airport, TikTok user Theprettiestreal1 (Keiajah) claims to have overheard an employee speaking ill of Iran, Muslims, and New York. The customer confronted the Explore Afar employee, leading to a back-and-forth argument that the TikTok creator caught on video.
In the video, Keiajah is heard immediately confronting the Explore Afar employee, whom she calls ‘D,’ and asks her to reiterate the comments she was allegedly saying. The D admits it, then segways into talking of Muslims in New York, including Mayor Mamdani in a sarcastic tone, stating, “They were so smart in to voting in a Muslim after 9/11 happened and they tore down New York City.” D then exclaimed it was her Fourth Amendment Right to say that.
When Keiajah brought up the fact that children in Iran were dying due to war, the employee shook her head and said, “Not my problem.” She placed the blame on Iranians, saying war has been happening in Iran “forever and ever” before going back to her phone.
Explore Afar has not commented on Keiajah’s video, which some businesses have been known to do when a social issue goes viral on social media. However, she provided contact information, presumably for others to report ‘D.’ Keiajah has not made an update video at this time.
The Internet Calls Out D’s For Being Racist
People were shocked D would be so blatant, with many agreeing with Keiajah that what the employee said was racist, and would explain why her video is gained several thousand Likes in just a single day. In response, TikTok users mocked D using memes, with very few actually defending anything she said.
One commenter recalled a boss she once had, who had an irrational fear of people wearing turbans on planes. “The fact he didn’t know the difference between Sikh’s and Islamic extremist is scary,” she shared.
Another commenter called out the Explore Afar worker as being ignorant, “Granny ain’t even know what’s going on in Iran. She wake up quaking in her boots, teeth clattering over ppl she ain’t ever gonna meet.” You’d think working in an airport would make her more tolerant of other cultures.
Another TikTok user suggested contacting D’s employer, “I hope you took this straight to management! Dont stop calling yall!”
One TikTok user ran to D’s defense, arguing it was her right to her own “political view,” then adding: “Idk why people think everyone thinks the same.”
However, the general response from the audience was that opinions don’t absolve you of the consequences.
