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Mother’s Attempt To Shame Woman Over Plane Seat Backfires, Turning Her Into A Viral Influencer

Mother’s Attempt To Shame Woman Over Plane Seat Backfires, Turning Her Into A Viral Influencer

Mother’s Attempt To Shame Woman Over Plane Seat Backfires, Turning Her Into A Viral Influencer“From Humiliated To Exalted”: Woman’s Refusal To Give Up Plane Seat Turns Into Viral FortuneWoman Who Refused To Give Her Window Seat To Child Turns Viral Shaming Into Massive PaycheckBrazilian Bank Worker Becomes Overnight Star After Refusing To Switch Seats With Child On FlightWoman Refuses To Give Up Plane Seat, Turns Viral Shaming Into A $5,000 Influencer Payday
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Jeniffer Castro, a bank employee from Brazil, went viral in early December after refusing to give her window seat to a child during a GOL Airlines domestic flight.

Castro was filmed by the kid’s frustrated mother to tarnish her reputation by posting the video on social media, allowing the masses to shame Castro for her actions publicly.

Highlights
  • Castro, a bank employee from Brazil, became an internet sensation after being recorded by an angry mom
  • The mom tried to shame her after Castro refused to give up her seat on a plane
  • Netizens rallied behind Castro, propelling her to a lucrative career as an influencer
  • Castro landed several advertising deals, including one with a private jet company

However, the mother’s intentions backfired spectacularly, as the video not only caused many to side with Castro but also turned her into an internet personality able to earn a lot of money from ads alone.

“Two days ago, I was buying little things on Shopee, and today, I’m closing with ads worth more than $5,000,” Castro said.

RELATED:

    A woman became an overnight influencer after a rude mother tried to shame her online for refusing to give up her window seat on a plane to her son

    Image credits: jeniffercastro

    The incident that started the bizarre chain of events occurred on December 4, when Jeniffer was approached by a mother demanding she switch seats so her son could sit by the window.

    The mother’s rude demeanor contrasted with Castro’s, as she remained calm throughout the whole interaction, even after being recorded without her consent.

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    Image credits: jeniffercastro

    The public swiftly turned against the mother, especially after they heard her throwing insults at Castro, calling her “disgusting” and even suggesting that she suffered from “some kind of syndrome,” unable to understand her refusal to switch seats.

    Viewers labeled the mother as “rude” and “entitled,” with many feeling empathy for Castro as they had experienced similar conflicts on flights in the past. Others defended her choice to refuse to change seats, as it was within her rights as the buyer of the window seat ticket.

    Castro has gone on to sign lucrative deals with a variety of companies, advertising cosmetic products and sunglasses and even getting to travel on a private jet

    Image credits: jeniffercastro

    Far from feeling defeated by the uncomfortable incident, the now-influencer shared her success in a social media post, expressing gratitude for how her life has changed thanks to the mother’s attempt to shame her virally.

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    With her Instagram account having more than 2.4 million followers, Castro has been able to land lucrative deals with a variety of brands, including cosmetics, sunglasses, and even a personalized trip aboard a private jet of the company Fly Flapper.

    Image credits: ondavirall2.0

    Her story, turning what should have been an embarrassing moment into a career as an influencer, has caused as much surprise as it has laughter, with Brazilian netizens shocked by the turn of events.

    Image credits: ondavirall2.0

    “I never thought I’d see someone go from humiliated to exalted,” one user wrote.

    “Now she has an entire plane to herself!” another said. “What a ridiculous country this is.”

    “I will never understand how a person going through such a stupid day-to-day situation can become a ‘celebrity’ overnight,” one detractor wrote. 

    “Now I’ll buy all of the seats next to the windows just for someone to ask me and for me to say no!” another joked.

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    According to official stats, cases of unruly passengers have been on the rise in recent years, leading agencies to implement stricter measures

    @ondavirall2.0Uma criança fez um escândalo em um avião porque queria sentar na janela, essa passageira se recusou a ceder o assento para a criança. A mãe da criança, não gostou e começou a filmar a passageira, como se ela fosse a culpada da situação.♬ som original – Onda Viral

    Cases such as Castro’s are anything but a rarity, as just in the first half of this year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recorded at least 915 cases of unruly passengers, including 106 disturbances due to intoxication.

    The problem has become so prevalent in recent years that the FAA implemented a Zero-Tolerance Policy on January 13, 2021, immediately fining those found guilty instead of sending warning letters first.

    Image credits: jeniffercastro

    These penalties are not mere slaps on the wrist, as they can cost up to $37,000 per violation.

    While Brazil may not have a similar policy, one thing is clear: Jeniffer Castro didn’t need an agency or legal action to win, as social media made sure she received enough money for her troubles.

    Jeniffer Castro’s rise to fame received as much applause as it has criticism from Brazilian netizens

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    Image credits: jeniffercastro

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    “The country has given her an audience, and she’s working with the opportunity! Why so much criticism?” one follower asked. “Anyone here would be happy with the opportunity to advertise and make some nice money!”

    “I keep imagining how this sudden fame must be for her… In any case, congratulations, Jennifer!” one user said.

    “That unbalanced mom had no idea the good she was bringing you!” another follower stated.

    “This is ridiculous; some people work for years to cultivate skills and become famous, and this woman gets it over nothing?” a detractor argued.

    “I just can’t understand the internet. One minute, it destroys someone’s life, and the next, it exalts them. Weird!”

    Bored Panda has reached out to Jeniffer Castro for comment.

    “There needs to be laws against filming.” Netizens pointed out the ease with which people are shaming each other on social media by recording on their phones

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    Abel Musa Miño

    Abel Musa Miño

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

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    Abel is a journalist at Bored Panda. Born in Santiago, Chile, he holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication and a diploma in International Relations. In his spare time, you can find him tinkering with his motorbike, playing with his dog, or reading a good novel.

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    Abel Musa Miño

    Abel Musa Miño

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Abel is a journalist at Bored Panda. Born in Santiago, Chile, he holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication and a diploma in International Relations. In his spare time, you can find him tinkering with his motorbike, playing with his dog, or reading a good novel.

    Renan Duarte

    Renan Duarte

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    This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

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    Renan Duarte

    Renan Duarte

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    This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

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    Add photo comments
    POST
    Cammy Mack
    Community Member
    2 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Full, unequivocal support for the lady making use of what she paid for. The kid and his mother can go pound sand. Why do people keep churning those things out? Give the planet a rest for a generation.

    Max Fox
    Community Member
    2 hours ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Our kid always had a window seat when they were younger, because we always made certain to choose a window seat when we flew. It's really not that difficult. When you travel with kids you plan ahead. Kids having meltdowns on airplanes are almost always the result of having parents who didn't bother to plan, and likely the rest of their lives look like this as well. The main reason that these parents don't plan is entitlement. You can also always tell when a meltdown isn't the result of lack of planning by the parents. Primarily because A, they try to deal with it in their own, and B, they ask for help, they don't demand it.

    Kerry Fletcher
    Community Member
    1 hour ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I automatically thumb down posts about tiktok and influencers. This is no different.

    Load More Comments
    Cammy Mack
    Community Member
    2 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Full, unequivocal support for the lady making use of what she paid for. The kid and his mother can go pound sand. Why do people keep churning those things out? Give the planet a rest for a generation.

    Max Fox
    Community Member
    2 hours ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Our kid always had a window seat when they were younger, because we always made certain to choose a window seat when we flew. It's really not that difficult. When you travel with kids you plan ahead. Kids having meltdowns on airplanes are almost always the result of having parents who didn't bother to plan, and likely the rest of their lives look like this as well. The main reason that these parents don't plan is entitlement. You can also always tell when a meltdown isn't the result of lack of planning by the parents. Primarily because A, they try to deal with it in their own, and B, they ask for help, they don't demand it.

    Kerry Fletcher
    Community Member
    1 hour ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I automatically thumb down posts about tiktok and influencers. This is no different.

    Load More Comments
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