And while I havent as of late anyway, I will not be shopping at the Short Hills Mall nor at any Victorias Secret until they do. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Ijeoma Ukenta, a Nigerian-American Muslim, was shopping at the Short Hill Mall in New Jersey when she encountered Abigail Elphick, a high school teaching aide who has now been dubbed "The Victoria's Secret Karen" by many circles of the internet. There's no evidence of Abigail starting the fight. All clips from the encounter were shared to YouTube under a channel called Mama Africa Muslimah. She finally stated that she was going home, and I asked if she would be OK to drive and she says she was. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. However, the more I watched and the more I thought about what in fact I had just seen, my amusement turned to outrage. Who is Abigail Elphick? NJ 'Victoria's Secret Karen' fakes tears after There are also several bystanders who, at various times during the recording, all try to comfort Abigail, while also chiding Ijeoma for recording the interaction. The white woman, who has been identified as Abigail Elphick was caught on camera trying to physically assault a Black, Muslim, Nigerian woman named Ijeoma Ukenta and then proceeded to throw one of. She also said she has an "anxiety disorder" and was anxious about Ukenta recording her because she was afraid of "losing her job and apartment. No state professional license comes up for Elphick in the New Jersey state database. The GoFundMe account Ukenta set up to assist in her pursuit of justice had surpassed its $20,000 goal by over $11,000 at press time. Abigail Elphick is the New Jersey woman dubbed the "Victoria's Secret Karen." Track outages and protect against spam, fraud, and abuse, Measure audience engagement and site statistics to understand how our services are used and enhance the quality of those services, Deliver and measure the effectiveness of ads, Show personalized content, depending on your settings, Show personalized ads, depending on your settings. So , I dont really have any issues with them not as of yet. I have to admit that initially upon watching the series of videos, I giggled a bit as did Ijeoma at times in the video. The recorder is chased around the Victoria's Secret store. Until then, please consider contributing to Ukentas GoFundMe. At one point, Elphick appears to raise her hand toward Ukenta in the video. ga('ads.send', { In what appears to be the police report, says Insider, the woman said she was in the "wrong" and that she had a panic attack after realizing Ms Ukenta was recording her. Biba Adams. Your session is about to expire. While the events leading up to their altercation are unclear, Ukenta's 7-video saga on her . This happened at the Short Hills Mall in Millburn NJ. Shes trying to say I started videotaping her causing her to have a panic attack, at which time she followed me to try to get me to stop recording.. Not long after the video went viral, social media users claimed that Elphick's mother, Kimberley Elphick, worked for a neighboring police department, citing a LinkedIn profile as seeming proof. The Millburn Police Department in Essex County, New Jersey, was heavily slammed on social media after the videos went viral on Monday, July 12. Who is Abigail Elphick? Im also filing a complaint against the mall security. Abigail Elphick, the Victoria's Secret Karen, is truly innocent There's a reason no charges were pressed against her. Im also filing a complaint against the mall security. She noted that Victorias Secret store staff assisted her, asserting its manager even sent someone to walk down to hasten security because they were taking too long. All Rights Reserved. eventAction: 'click_ads' hitType: 'event', hitType: 'event', The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 'Victoria's Secret Karen' Went Ballistic On A Black Woman, Caught on The viewers saw him instruct her to share the video via email but did not easily explain any procedure. One supporter wrote on her page: Im so sorry that you have had to spend your time and energy battling the injustice you suffered. Our associates followed our protocols and immediately called our Emergency Operations Centre as well as mall security for support during the altercation between our customers., Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. Subsequent clips show Ms Ukenta attempting unsuccessfully to get assistance from security guards and police. 2 killed, 4 wounded in Mississippi shooting; man arrested, 150 years later, Dixon bridge tragedy among nation's worst, Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy says he wants to 'shut down the FBI' and replace it with something that sounds a lot like the FBI, Sanders: Biden could win in a landslide, Brooklyn community members mourn the life of family killed in fire, Popular Mobile Games You Must Play In 2023, Remembering the May 4, 1970, shootings at Kent State University, Cooler weather has arrived and looks to stay for the week ahead, Pine-Richland High School Band 2023 Pegasus Parade. Many wonder why Ukenta continued to tape the entirety of the exchange, but those who are melantated know that this was the only way that she would prove her innocence over the blonde damsel in fake distress. She tried to run and hit. Elphick then crouches down, holding her head in her hands crying and claims, No I didnt. She says, I dont want to be recorded., Ukenta says to other customers and workers, Did you see that? hitType: 'event', Get her phone away! Victoria's Secret Addresses Viral 'Karen' Video Amid - Complex I asked her several times if she was alright and if she needed an ambulance. The woman who was recording launched a GoFundMe to hire an attorney and has raised over $85,000. At a minimum, I feel that Abigail, Victorias Secret, The Short Hills Mall and its security, as well as the Millburn Police Department all, owe Ijeoma an apology. The viral "Victoria's Secret Karen" meltdown video went viral but the woman who was the target of her rage is ready to defend herself and has raised over $100,000. The 25-year-old woman was seen on. I just dont want to be recorded., Elphick then screams and yells, Dont record my mental breakdown please. They Refused to Fight for Russia. I didnt feel protected. CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Victoria's Secret 'Karen' Part 1-7 - CW39 Houston The description of the fundraiser reads, "I am a Black Muslimah Nigerian AM and I was treated like it was 1920 in Short Hills Mall. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('impressionViewable', function(event) { Ukenta uploaded the videos of the adult tantrum, and the white woman has since been dubbed "Victoria's Secret Karen" across the internet. "We never want a single customer to feel uncomfortable or unwelcome at The Mall at Short Hills. There were many egregious violations of your rights and overall well being by both Millburn Police Department and Short Hills Mall security. It also documents the disregard, disrespect and dismissive way the Millburn police treated her in the store and at their station even after Elphick admits she was wrong but didnt want anyone to see her behavior and she be socially and professionally punished. Why Did We Fall for the Angels? - New York Times The White woman was outed by outraged Twitterati as a teachers aide in her 20s from Cedar Grove, New Jersey. Ukenta asks store employees to call for security, and mall security arrives. The phenomenon of the "Karen" has become increasingly prevalent in the past year, as Black people have begun recording white women who have breakdowns in public after interacting with them. I was kicked off a tiktok for posting what happened to me and they let someone else post and get millions and millions of views however they deleted 2 of my accounts. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider off your first Victoria's Secret or PINK purchase* $10 . Grab this woman? So, I dont really have any issues with them not as of yet, Ukenta said. In later videos and in what Ukenta says is the police report, Ukenta says that everything began when she was scanning the store's offering of underwear and the woman started browsing items uncomfortably close to her. Karen Goes Crazy Part 1. The last part of the video shows her requesting to file a complaint against the responding police and saw another police officer give her the run-around. The 25-year-old woman was seen on video charging at a Black woman, Ijeoma Ukenta, and then claiming to be the victim. So, I see everyone asking me for an update. Online, the woman's actions have morphed into a viral meme, and she has been given the nickname "Victoria's Secret Karen.". The "Victoria's Secret Karen": Everything You Need to Know On Tuesday, the Victoria's Secret Twitter account released a statement about the incident. Personalized content and ads can also include things like video recommendations, a customized YouTube homepage, and tailored ads based on past activity, like the videos you watch and the things you search for on YouTube. At this time, Ms. Elphick left the mall voluntarily with mall security. I want to feel comfortable with people that have an ostomy just like me to know that Im not alone!. Just last month, a video took over the internet that saw a woman dubbed 'Victoria's Secret Karen' going crazy in the underwear store. Watch: Bizarre Video of 'Karen' Chasing Woman in Victoria's Secret Goes Now, there's a new 'Karen' video going viral, and . "@RepSherrill Isnt Millburn in your district? Millburn police officers did show up at the scene but was heavily criticized on social media after Elphick walked away scot-free. ", She continues: "Im looking to hire me an excellent attorney who can help me bring light to this wrong.". TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire and Roku. Thameka has a B.A in African American Studies from Yale University. She finally stated that she was going home, and I asked if she would be OK to drive and she says she was. "Victoria's Secret Karen" will have to face her victim in court! - TAG24 At that time, Ukenta started recording the interaction, capturing Elphick charging at her. The incident has gone viral, in part because of the videos Ijeoma posted of Abigail crying and screaming. The white woman, who has been identified as Abigail Elphick was caught on camera trying to physically assault a Black, Muslim, Nigerian woman named Ijeoma Ukenta and then proceeded to throw one of the most embarrassing public tantrums I (and likely you) have ever witnessed. ga('ads.send', { Elphick is shown in a photo with her brother and parents, Kim and Andrew Elphick. Police did not make an arrest. gads_event = event; The caucacity of it all is really quite something. NJ.com reported that the incident started when Ukenta, 38, of Newark asked Elphick to move six feet away. In the post, the clothing company added that it had "initiated a full investigation" into the matter. This part of the police report shows some deception. "I was treated like it was 1920 in Short Hills Mall. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Why did the police department ignore the safety and dismiss the assault of a black woman! You can also visit g.co/privacytools at any time. window.adsContainer = {"positionAfterTitle":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle5_Rel_Newrev","isOrganicUserAd":true,"max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position2":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_After_Title_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position3":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Below_Next_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position4":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position5":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle1_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position6":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle2_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position7":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle3_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position8":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle4_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position9":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle5_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position10":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle6_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position11":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle7_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position12":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle8_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position13":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle9_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position14":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle10_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position15":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle11_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position16":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle12_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"positionTop":{"code":"Article_Desktop_970x250_Header_Rel","isOrganicUserAd":false,"max_width":970,"max_height":250},"positionBottom":{"code":"Article_Desktop_Sidebar_Bottom_Rel_Newrev","isOrganicUserAd":true,"max_width":300,"max_height":600},"positionBottomRight":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_After_Title_Rel_Newrev","isOrganicUserAd":true,"max_width":336,"max_height":280}} If you look closely at the beginning of the video, the black lady moves the camera away from Abigail as if she is trying to make it look like she was assaulted. Ijeoma Ukenta, a Nigerian American woman who was seemingly chased by a white woman in a Victoria's Secret on Saturday, has raised over $85,000 on GoFundMe to hire an attorney to defend herself against the woman. Copyright 2023 Distractify. I advised her that Miss Ukenta has a right to videotape. However, store management corroborated Ukenta's accountand Elphick admitted that her fear was losing her job and apartment as a result of her "panic attack" being recorded. Ukenta posted videos of the incident on TikTok and YouTube. pg.acq.push(function() { This is how Black people be dying. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Thats the third time. The video does not show Ukenta attacking or making any move toward Elphick. Shes recording me. ADVERTISEMENT TikTok: 'Gym Karen' Lissettepma slammed after ranting about - HITC The Cedar Grove School District has denied she is an employee there, writing in a note on the top of its home page, The individual involved at the Mall at Short Hills that took place on July 11, 2021 is not and has never been employed by the Cedar Grove Board of Education., Elphick wrote on a Classmates.com profile, I am 24 going to school to become a Child Development Associate teaching preschool aged students. It spread too quickly for me to get ahead of it to address. pg.acq.push(function() { Victoria's Secret Angels a Brief History of the Iconic - Insider This story is developing and we are anxious to see what the local politicians will say, if anything will be done to those law enforcement officers who responded and also if Ukenta ever got her panties. "I'm looking to hire me an excellent attorney who can help me bring light to this wrong.". Shes trying to attack me, no no no, Ukenta says at one point. I was assaulted and harassed by a white woman and and nothing was done by security nor the police, she wrote on the page. The post Victorias Secret Karen attacks Black woman, has meltdown after shes caught on camera appeared first on TheGrio. Victoria's Secret did not respond to a request for comment. When You Use Your Victoria's Secret Credit Card . If you choose to Reject all, we will not use cookies for these additional purposes. The post Victorias Secret Karen incident is so outrageous you almost want to laugh only you cant appeared first on TheGrio. eventAction: 'click_adunit' A white woman caught on camera attacking a Black woman in Victoria's Secret store had a full meltdown after realizing her rude and violent behavior had been caught on camera . "No, I feel in danger. There is simply no reason why anyone be they Ijeoma, store employees or other shoppers should have been subjected to that kind of tantrum for that long. It also mentioned P.O. WE'VE GOT A BRA FOR THAT. She also says: I dont want to turn my back on this white lady, Im sorry. Victorias Secret, in my opinion like what do we expect them? In the videos, which were posted on TikTok and YouTube, viewers can see Abigail lunge toward Ijeoma as if she's prepared to hurt her. Part 2: Im honestly terrified of their fake outrage. The woman said TikTok unfairly barred her. A Nigerian woman whose video footage of a woman lunging at her then having a mental breakdown in a New Jersey Victoria's Secret store has raised $92,000 following the incident. It's a strange and troubling trend that seems to be rooted in deep-seated, unaddressed biases, and one that needs to be reckoned with. ga('ads.send', { Oh my God. In the fifth video of the saga, Ukenta displays what she says is the police report for the incident, and it says the Victoria's Secret staff corroborated Ukenta's version of the events. if(document.querySelector("#ads")){ A video of a woman dubbed the "Victoria's Secret Karen" online has gone viral and is provoking questions about how Millburn, New Jersey, police handled the incident. The pretension in the air of that place is palpable so when I found out that this is where the incident took place, I wasnt at all surprised by the lackluster response by mall security and by the Millburn Police Department. She was also heard saying "Don't record me." The cry. Im looking to hire me an excellent attorney who can help me bring light to this wrong. See what these people do? Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? In a later update, Ukenta checks in from the area police station. We are dedicated to continuing this critical conversation and demonstrating our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through our actions and our words.. Parts 3 and 4 coming soon. In subsequent videos and on the GoFundMe page, Ukenta says she was unhappy with how the authorities dealt with the situation. Based in the New York/New Jersey area, she is a freelance writer, and owns a spiritual practice. The name was coined in 1997 after they appeared in an ad to. I have the police report, which is somewhat true, but really, really long. Victoria's Secret Models Helena Christensen, Karen Mulder, Daniela Petov, Stephanie Seymour, and Tyra Banks were the first Angels. On Facebook, The Mall at Short Hills addressed the event in a comment on an unrelated post: "We certainly take this matter very seriously," it said. Abigail is also screaming throughout the videos, asking Ijeoma to stop recording her. Ijeoma, in response, indicates that shes filming in order to protect herself (rightfully so, especially as Abigail later lies to the police about what all happened). In the viral videos, Elphick can be seen attacking the Black woman who is capturing Elphick's act on TikTok. a third complained, tagging NJ congresswoman Mikie Sherrill in their post. Even so, Abigail's mental health issues do not excuse her poor behavior, especially when it comes to possibly attempting to get violent with Ijeoma. At one point in Ijeoma's videos, Abigail asks her to stop recording because she's experiencing a mental health crisis. Elphick is being accused of attacking a woman named Ijeoma Ukenta inside a Victoria's Secret store at Short Hills Mall, according to a police report. Ive lived that level of misogynoir. You physically assaulted someone, and then know how to quickly get into role ? A viral video posted by Ijeoma Ukenta, a Black woman, shows Elphick charging at her with her hand open as if to strike. "Additionally, NO OFFICER from the Secaucus Police Department is related to any person involved in this incident. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), let gads_event; They call the police and they call in a panic and tell police youre doing something to them when she clearly was chasing me around the store.. birthday gift 2. Victoria's Secret and the mall released statements. This lady chasing me. Turns out, the biggest Karens aren't actually named Karen. Victoria's Secret 'karen' Filmed Attacking Nigerian Woman, And Then Plays Victim by Cousin9999: 6:35pm On Jul 13, 2021. Victoria's Secret shopper filmed allegedly lunging at customer #VictoriaSecretKaren #Karen A Wild Karen at Victoria's Secret Show more 14 year old Parker stands up for his rights. Victoria's Secret Credit Card - Manage your account We dont even need to speculate; we all know how this story would have ended if the roles had been reversed. Abigail Elphick, the Victoria's Secret Karen, is truly innocent, Scan this QR code to download the app now. It's clear that Abigail was upset, and Ijeoma's decision to film the encounter may have added to the stress she was feeling. And she declined repeatedly. The black lady is just basically harassing a mentally challenged young woman with a colostomy by recording her throughout the entire video which is no different from beating up someone in a wheelchair. I didnt feel protected. The fall out. Abigail Elphick is the New Jersey woman dubbed the "Victoria's Secret Karen." Video of an incident involving her at the Short Hills Mall has gone viral. And she completely lied. Once the law gets here, who are they going to believe? She says she is worried the police would believe Elphick over Ukenta because Elphick is white and Ukenta is Black. The most amazing part of this video is how long its lasted with no security or police. "Our Department has been in receipt of numerous phone calls, messages, comments etc. Shes the millennial white woman who savagely attacked a Muslim Nigerian woman while she was shopping in Victorias Secret at the Short Hills Mall in South Jersey for a pair of free panties., They really let that Karen act an ass in Victoria secret and then asked the black woman to leave the mallNothing about this country surprises me anymore pic.twitter.com/eAQKRcdbf4. Almost immediately, she started crying victim, demanding that she not be placed on tape. In follow-up videos, police are eventually called to the scene, and Ijeoma wonders why they won't escort Abigail out of the mall for her behavior. }); Abigail Elphick should have been arrested {and still needs to be arrested} and at the very least charged with assault & attempted larceny, wrote one Twitter user. But as Ijeoma verbalizes several times throughout the series of videos, shes recording not just for documentary evidence, but also for her own safety. Black people are not. Ask them," Ukenta says, calling over the Victoria's Secret manager to corroborate her account. 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