What is the Latto Brokey challenge? Internet rallies behind Waffle House employee who was fired over viral TikTok video

A Waffle House employee was fired over her viral TikTok video, in which she was performing the Brokey Challenge. The phrase references rapper Latto's track of the same name from her latest album, Sugar Honey Iced Tea, which centers individuals who lack money to afford expensive things.

The song garnered backlash online, especially from folks who thought Latto was taking a dig at their regular jobs. In response, the rapper took to her X on Sunday, September 15, 2024, to announce she would offer $10,000 to the worker with the best video recorded at their jobs to her song. Netizens have since dubbed it the Brokey Challenge.

Waffle House employee and TikToker @yadirajramirez1 participated in the trend, sharing a routine along with her coworkers to the tune of Brokey. However, just a day later, the fast food chain fired her and put her on the "EFR list" so she wouldn't get rehired.

Needless to say, the news caused quite the stir, with several internet users rallying in her support.

"This so crazy cause they can literally jump over the counter, knock ppl out and come back to work the next day," an exasperated user remarked.

"her being the only one that was fired when her and everyone else she works w including the manager was in the video," another added.

"They dropped the ball. This was perfect marketing for Waffle House of all places," @Kswizz_ wrote.

However, there were a handful of netizens who criticized the TikToker for being unprofessional and making a video during work hours.

"precisely why a job will always only get 10% of my energy," a user commented.

"Folks have to stop doing TikToks at work… idc how trifling or professional the job, leave that sh*t for after hours. Corporate is not ur friend & this song is full of “n*ggas” “b*tches” and cuss words. If it was Bey or TS they might not have said anything but use ur damn brain," @CountyBrwnie cautioned.

"Stop doing sh*t for the internet. Now u banned from working at Waffle House for life all because u promoting a weak *ss song for a rapper HOPING they pick you," another wrote.

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Latto promised to fly the worker who wins the Brokey Challenge to be a part of the music video for the track

In August, Latto dropped her third studio album, Sugar Honey Iced Tea. It received positive feedback from audiences and critics alike, debuting at number 15 on the Billboard 200 and number two on the top, R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts.

However, fans were not happy with the track, Brokey. In the song, she raps:

"When a real one hold you down, bae, you supposed to drown/You ain’t never f*ck with no boss b*tch, I turned you out/You won’t catch me in no shark boots, y’all burnt ’em out/B*tches gotta wait ’til they/ birthday to go out of town/ Brokey."

As the song faced backlash for allegedly being dismissive of everyday jobs while flaunting a luxurious lifestyle, the Atlanta rapper clarified that it was not the case. She asserted her displeasure at the conclusion, stating:

"I hate that y'all think I was calling hard workers brokeys (broken heart emoji) so I got $10k for whoever make the best video at they job to brokey."

In addition to the prize money, Latto promised to fly the winner to be a part of her music video for the song. She quipped, "No mo waiting til ur bday to go outta town," referring to a verse from the song.

Since then, social media has been flooded with videos of fans dancing to the beats of the song at their respective workplaces, showcasing their jobs.

Latto has not publicly reacted to the development.