From Dancing to Jobless: Flight Attendant Fired Over Viral Twerk Video Speaks Out

Former Alaska Airlines flight attendant Nelle Diala has spoken out in a new interview with Inside Edition, breaking down in tears as she defended herself against the airline’s decision to fire her. Diala was dismissed after a video of her twerking on an empty plane went viral on social media. The video, which she posted on TikTok, sparked controversy, with some questioning workplace professionalism and others defending her right to express herself.

The Viral Video That Led to Dismissal

Diala, who had been working with Alaska Airlines for six months, recorded the 20-second video while waiting for the flight’s captain to arrive during a layover. In the video, she can be seen dancing and twerking in the aisle of the empty aircraft while still wearing her uniform.

She captioned the video:
“Ghetto bih till I D-I-E, don’t let the uniform fool you.”

The clip quickly gained attention online, garnering mixed reactions. While some viewers found it amusing and harmless, others—including her employer—felt it was inappropriate for someone in a professional role. Shortly after the video went viral, Alaska Airlines terminated Diala’s employment, citing a violation of the company’s social media policy.

Flight Attendant Fired for Posting Twerking Video While on Duty

A flight attendant, Nelle Diala, has reportedly been terminated from her position with Alaska Airlines after posting a twerking video on TikTok while on the job. pic.twitter.com/JsjLFAqnj9

— As E Dey Happen (@AsEdeyhappen001) January 17, 2025

Diala’s Emotional Response: “I Was Just Proud of Myself”

In a recent interview, Diala became emotional as she reflected on the situation, explaining that she never intended to offend anyone or violate company policies.

“I was really proud of myself that I came so far. I just didn’t think that my video and my post and the way I was dancing would be deemed as inappropriate,” she said through tears.

Diala defended her actions, emphasizing that the video was meant to be a celebration of her personal growth. She had worked hard to secure a job in the airline industry and was excited about her journey. She expressed disbelief that something she viewed as lighthearted and fun resulted in such severe consequences.

GoFundMe Campaign: Raising Money After Losing Her Job

Following her termination, Diala launched a GoFundMe campaign titled “Support for a Wrongfully Fired Flight Attendant.” The fundraiser’s goal is to collect $12,000 to help her cover expenses while she searches for new employment.

As of now, the campaign has raised over $3,000, with many supporters donating in solidarity. Diala insists she was “wrongfully fired” and is hoping to raise enough money to sustain herself during this challenging time.

Alaska Airlines’ Response and Company Policy

Alaska Airlines has not provided specific details about Diala’s termination but has reiterated its commitment to maintaining professional standards among employees. The airline stated that all flight attendants are expected to uphold a certain level of conduct, both on and off duty.

The airline also enforces a strict probationary period for new employees, which Diala was still under at the time of her firing. This means her actions were likely scrutinized more closely than those of tenured employees.

Debate Over Workplace Professionalism vs. Personal Expression

Diala’s case has sparked a broader debate about professionalism in the workplace and how employees should navigate personal expression, especially in the age of social media.

• Supporters argue that she was simply having fun and that her termination was an overreaction. Many believe that strict corporate policies are outdated and fail to consider modern social norms.
• Critics, however, contend that professionalism should be upheld in all workplace settings, particularly in roles involving public safety and customer service. They argue that posting such videos while in uniform can damage a company’s reputation.

What’s Next for Nelle Diala?

Despite the setback, Diala remains hopeful about her future. She has expressed interest in continuing her career in the aviation industry but acknowledges that the controversy surrounding her dismissal may make it difficult to secure another airline job.

She also hopes that her experience will open up discussions about how employers handle social media conduct and employee expression.

For now, Diala continues to share updates with her supporters online while navigating her next steps.

Final Thoughts: A Lesson in Social Media and Workplace Boundaries

Diala’s story serves as a cautionary tale for employees working in highly visible industries. While social media can be a powerful tool for self-expression, it can also have unintended consequences when it conflicts with professional expectations.

As the conversation around workplace norms and personal freedom evolves, companies and employees alike may need to rethink the balance between professionalism and individuality in the digital age.