Outrage Over What ‘Old Man’ Demands After Worker Falls and Fractures Spine

A viral video of the moment a woman collapsed while working at a retail store has stunned the internet, with more than 5.2 million views on TikTok.

Sadie, who shares her life on TikTok under the handle @im.not.sadie, shared footage of the moment she fainted near the checkout area, prompting a mixed reaction from viewers, ranging from concern to humor.

The video captured the moment Sadie fainted on September 11, 2021, when, during a work shift, she began feeling unwell and fell to the floor. In the caption of the dramatic video, she explained that after someone came to help her, she was taken to the emergency room.

“I wasn’t expecting to go to the hospital,” Sadie told Newsweek. “When I came to after falling, I saw blood but couldn’t figure out where it was coming from. The wind got knocked out of me, and I was trying to feel for my things. Then I was in the ER getting all kinds of tests.”

During the fall, she fractured a bone in her spine and was unable to carry anything heavy or drive while she recovered. But despite undergoing multiple medical evaluations, including EEGs, epilepsy tests and heart monitoring, doctors have yet to determine the cause of her fainting episode. Sadie said that besides an irregular heartbeat, she appears to be in good health, and it hasn’t happened since.

One of the most shocking things, though, was how Sadie recalled a customer’s reaction when she fell. In the caption she said: “[It] took someone about five minutes to find me and an old man got mad because I wouldn’t check out his stuff.”

The TikTok post quickly gained traction after Sadie was inspired by another creator who shared a similar experience of fainting at work.

“I saw this one creator—I wish I could remember her name—fainting at her job in a vape store. Then I was like, ‘I have the perfect video!’ So I posted it,” Sadie said.

Some users in the comments section expressed genuine concern for Sadie’s well-being, while others turned to dark humor to react to the situation.

“This is why we don’t drink on the job,” joked viewer Josh Chavo.

One user, @MarkCoddingto said: “That’s scary.” Another commenter, @909dad, joked: “Reaction to new egg prices… glad you are okay.”

While @Channybee9182 quipped: “My boss: But you’re still okay to finish the shift, right?”

Sadie remains in good spirits and continues to engage with viewers, appreciating their support and their jokes.

“At first, it was getting normal engagement, but then everything started going up,” she said. “I’m always surprised to see how many people are looking at it. I really appreciate their concern and jokes, even if they were trying to be mean.”