A bride-to-be named Libby has drawn widespread support online after her fiancé’s family staged a controversial prank that many are calling “bullying.” The incident, which unfolded in a now-deleted TikTok video, showcases the family dressed in matching attire, seemingly gearing up for a traditional Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, a popular 10K race in the United States.
The video, initially shared by Libby’s fiancé’s sister, featured text claiming, “Convinced my brother’s fiancée that we’re an intense Turkey Trot family… and that we run a full 10K every year.” However, the mood quickly shifted when, during a group photo, a family member exclaimed, “We’re kidding. There’s no race.” Libby’s reaction was immediate; her expression of shock was captured as she stood frozen, only to be greeted with laughter and the words, “Welcome to the family, Libby.”
While the family may have intended to create a light-hearted moment, the emotional fallout has prompted significant backlash. Viewers have taken to social media, expressing concern for Libby and critiquing the family’s actions. Reaction videos have proliferated, with various creators, including professionals and social media users, analyzing the situation and siding with Libby.
According to Carly Dober, a psychologist from Enriching Lives Psychology in Melbourne, the prank was “unnecessary” and demonstrates a lack of sensitivity. She stated, “This prank is cruel because time, energy, and other resources are finite, especially for people who are juggling work or study and other relationships.” Dober elaborated that while harmless pranks can be amusing within established dynamics, this prank crossed a line. “If this prank is not expected and there has been significant time expended here, it can impact the relationship significantly,” she noted. Dober emphasized that such incidents could affect mental health and lead to feelings of disrespect.
Social media reactions have varied. One user criticized the family’s approach, stating, “The family decided to tell her weeks in advance… so she starts training, she gets brand new shoes, spends hundreds of dollars on it.” They speculated about Libby’s feelings, saying, “If I were in her shoes, I’d have felt just as horrified, just as humiliated, just as isolated and excluded.” Another commentator remarked, “A prank that lasts longer than four minutes is bullying.”
Conversely, some users believe the outrage is excessive. One individual questioned, “Why is everyone convinced she trained for months? When did they say that?” Another added, “People are acting like she got shot.” A third person expressed concern that the video may forever mark Libby’s digital footprint.
The timing of the prank could also explain the heightened emotions surrounding it. Dober indicated that holiday seasons often amplify existing tensions between individuals, particularly with in-laws. She explained, “People can have high expectations of the holiday season… this can be a source of pain for them.” Many viewers recognized the emotional sting in the footage, as the prank highlighted a lack of understanding about the possible impacts such actions can have on family dynamics.
Dober concluded that while small pranks might be amusing when done in good faith, the nature of this particular incident was likely unnecessary and unkind. As the conversation continues to unfold online, Libby remains at the center of a heated debate regarding the boundaries of family humor and respect.
