'Victoria's Secret Karen' Freak-Out Goes Viral, 'Full Investigation' Underway

A Millburn, New Jersey woman has become the internet's punching bag after a video went viral showing her suddenly having a meltdown in a Victoria's Secret following an incident with another shopper, earning her the nickname "Victoria's Secret Karen."

The video was first uploaded to YouTube in four parts by Ijeoma Ukenta, the Black woman filming the incident, on July 10th, with the first video in the series being reposted numerous times across social media over the following days.

At the start of the video, a white woman, identified as Abigail Elphick, is seen approaching the camera. She then quickly turns away and breaks down on the floor, crying. The video continues in much the same manner as Elphick cries and screams for Ukenta to stop filming, and Ukenta repeatedly talks down at her, calling her a Karen. At various points throughout, Elphick can be seen lying on the ground in a heap as if passed out while shaking her legs violently.

The other parts of the video show the aftermath and Ukenta talking with security guards and police officers, who seem reluctant to do anything outright without knowing the full story. This has resulted in a lot of flack towards the officers on the scene, as well as false rumors that Elphick is the daughter of a police officer. In total, Ukenta has uploaded at least nine videos about the subject and raised over $85,000 in donations through a GoFundMe page, which she claims will be used to hire a lawyer.

Millburn police officer Justin Ford (left) and lieutenant Ronald T Guensch (right) were the responders to the 911 call the Victoria’s Secret Karen (Abigail Elphick) made. Officers failed to protect Ijeoma Ukenta. Watch full videos on Ukenta’s YouTube: Mama Africa Muslimah. #blm pic.twitter.com/wdxOy5cjfx

— Maddie Chang #vaccinessavelives (@foxdotsauce) July 13, 2021

Victoria's Secret Karen shouted “GET HER AWAY FROM ME” while chasing woman

What is really disgusting is other people & police trying to shoo away lady of color for comfort of white lady

Why? bcs Abigail Elphick appeared weak but Muslim Nigerian appeared as strong woman?
#Karen pic.twitter.com/kznz3OAHm3

— Alicia Smith 💙🌊🌊 #FBR (@AliciaSmith987) July 13, 2021

Earlier today, TMZ broke an update to the story after speaking with Millburn police. According to the source, Elphick was the one who called the police on Ukenta, who she claimed had caused her a panic attack and wouldn't stop recording her. The source goes on to say they believe the officers "acted professionally to diffuse things" but that an investigation is underway. Notably, Ukenta was not happy with how TMZ chose to cover the story, posting a video to YouTube today criticizing them.

Victoria's Secret also responded to the incident on their Twitter account on Tuesday, claiming they're also investigating and that they are "committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all."

Associate and Customer safety is our top priority, and we are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all. pic.twitter.com/vREtLvC2o0

— Victoria's Secret (@VictoriasSecret) July 13, 2021

The video is ultimately being highlighted as an example of white women using fake emotional displays to get out of incidents and frame POC for crimes they didn't commit. Interestingly, this same issue became the subject of controversy with the Turn It Off Challenge on TikTok in June, which saw mostly white female creators show off how fast they could turn on the waterworks.

It’s a fucking joke/trend that’s could get one of us killed…that’s on Emmett Till! pic.twitter.com/r5hlwzr5FN

— Says the Man who died 5x (@GallahWarrior) June 17, 2021