Internet influencers will do just about anything to grab attention online. While many creators focus on showing real skills, sharing thoughtful commentary, or producing creative content, there is still a segment of the internet that leans heavily on pranks built around bothering strangers. Despite years of criticism, this style of content has not slowed down. One recurring example comes from a Michigan TikToker who has repeatedly gone viral for annoying store employees in the name of “content.”
The Michigan TikToker, known online as brendenlmao, has made a habit of filming interactions inside retail stores. His videos usually involve placing workers in uncomfortable situations and hoping their reactions carry the clip. Recently, the TikToker uploaded a video in which he targeted a shop by pretending to return an elf toy that speaks. The toy had been modified to say phrases it normally wouldn’t, and the goal was clearly to confuse the employee handling the return.
The Michigan TikToker approached a store worker and demonstrated the altered elf toy, pausing as if waiting for a reaction. Instead of engaging, the employee immediately asked a standard question: whether he had a receipt for the item. The TikToker tried several times to steer the conversation back toward the toy and the prank itself, repeating lines and showing the elf again. The employee, however, stayed focused on policy and her responsibilities.
She checked the store system and saw that there was only one elf toy left in inventory. She explained that she would need to verify whether the toy was still on the shelf. If it was, that would suggest the item had not been purchased. The Michigan TikToker continued pushing for a reaction, but the woman calmly walked over to check the shelf.
The toy was still there. When she returned, the TikToker asked whether she was implying that he stole the item. The employee repeated that she needed a receipt in order to process a return. With the prank failing, the TikToker attempted to escalate the situation by asking to speak to a manager. That plan also backfired. The employee replied that she was one of the managers. With no dramatic confrontation and no emotional response, the prank completely fizzled out.
Viewers online were largely unimpressed with the TikToker’s behavior. Many felt the video crossed the line from harmless fun into unnecessary harassment of retail workers. One commenter wrote, “Leave customer service workers alone…” Others praised the employee’s calm and direct approach, calling it the perfect response to prank content.
Another viewer added context about retail staffing, saying, “This looks like this may be a CVS and if it’s anything like the ones in my town, that means she is one of two people in the whole store working. She absolutely has no time for this bs.” A third commenter echoed the frustration many viewers felt, writing, “All these people think this stuff is funny and it’s just not. Leave people alone. If you’re bored, pick a different hobby. This isn’t it.”
