Lilly Gaddis, a self-proclaimed “trad-wife” TikTok influencer, recently found herself at the center of a controversy that led to her termination from a job at a home healthcare company. Gaddis, known for promoting traditional gender roles, sparked outrage when a video of her using offensive language went viral. In the video, she casually used the N-word while discussing relationships and financial status, a move that she defended as her First Amendment right.
In the now-deleted TikTok video, Gaddis wore a floral apron and made inflammatory remarks about various groups, including immigrants and women she deemed to be gold diggers. Her comments reached a peak when she said, “Everybody I know who’s married right now, they’re married to broke-ass n**s and they don’t care. We don’t give a f* about money.” This statement ignited a firestorm on social media, with many users expressing shock and condemnation.
As the backlash grew, Gaddis doubled down on her position, posting another video dismissing the criticism and referencing controversial comments from figures defending offensive speech. She quoted Larry Flynt, a well-known advocate for free speech, to bolster her argument that her remarks were protected under the First Amendment.
— pistachio ? (@riseydoux) June 9, 2024
The fallout from Gaddis’s videos was swift. Rophe of the Carolinas, the Wilmington, North Carolina-based company where Gaddis worked as a marketing and sales manager, quickly distanced itself from her. In a public statement, the company, owned by an African American and immigrant woman, announced her termination. They emphasized their commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and respect, and reassured their community that they were taking steps to restore any lost confidence.
Despite her firing, Gaddis seemed unbothered by the consequences. She took to X (formerly Twitter) to mock the situation, posting, “Oh no I just got fired! #mob,” and continued to share content from right-wing influencers. Her dismissal and the subsequent social media activity highlight the ongoing tension between free speech rights and the responsibilities individuals have in a professional and public sphere.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions that can arise from making inflammatory and offensive comments online. It also underscores the challenges businesses face in maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment, particularly when employees’ public actions clash with the values and image of the organization.
