5 Shocking Facts About Nelle Diala: The Viral TikTok Twerking Flight Attendant Who Lost Her 'Dream Job'

Nelle Diala, a name that recently dominated headlines and sparked a fierce debate across social media platforms, is the former Alaska Airlines flight attendant whose brief career was dramatically cut short by a viral video. As of late 2025, her story remains a prime example of the volatile intersection between personal digital expression and strict corporate social media policies, particularly within the airline industry.

The controversy surrounding Diala centers on a short, lighthearted TikTok video filmed on an empty aircraft that she believed was harmless. Instead, the video, which quickly amassed tens of thousands of views, led to her immediate termination, transforming her from a new employee celebrating the end of her probationary period into an unwitting figurehead for the discussion on employee rights in the digital age.

Nelle Diala: A Quick Profile and Professional Background

Before becoming the subject of a major viral news story, Nelle Diala was a San Francisco native pursuing a career she described as her "dream job" in aviation. Her professional journey, though short-lived in the airline sector, highlights the aspirations of many young professionals entering the workforce.

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• Full Name: Nelle Diala
• Hometown: San Francisco, California
• Former Employer: Alaska Airlines
• Position: Flight Attendant
• Career Tenure: Just over six months (terminated shortly after completing her probationary period)
• Key Incident: Fired over a viral TikTok video of her twerking in uniform on an empty aircraft.
• Current Status: Digital personality, content creator, and advocate for more flexible corporate social media policies.
• Social Media Presence: Active on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, including a mentioned account for a lingerie brand (@figure8.lingerie).

Diala’s brief tenure with Alaska Airlines was a significant milestone for her, marking the beginning of a professional path she was enthusiastic about. The termination, therefore, was not merely a loss of income but a devastating blow to her career aspirations, which she openly shared on her subsequent GoFundMe campaign.

The Viral Moment That Cost a "Dream Job": Breakdown of the TikTok Incident

The video that led to Nelle Diala's termination was a short, 15-second clip filmed on an empty Alaska Airlines plane. The footage captured Diala, dressed in her flight attendant uniform, twerking in the aisle while waiting for passengers to board or during a layover.

The Video’s Rapid Spread and Corporate Reaction

The video was posted to her personal TikTok account, @nelle.diala, and quickly went viral, reportedly gaining over 72,000 views overnight. While many viewers found the video entertaining and harmless, the content was flagged internally by Alaska Airlines. The company subsequently informed Diala that she was being terminated for violating the company’s strict social media policy.

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The core of the issue, according to the airline, was the use of the company's uniform and property (the aircraft) in a manner deemed "inappropriate" or unprofessional. This incident reignited a long-standing debate within the corporate world: to what extent can an employer control the personal, off-duty behavior of its employees, especially when that behavior is posted on social media and goes viral?

The Aftermath and Nelle Diala's Stance on Corporate Social Media Policy

Following her termination, Nelle Diala did not remain silent. She actively engaged with the media, appearing on programs like Inside Edition, to share her side of the story and challenge the airline’s decision.

Claims of Unfair Termination and Cultural Bias

Diala’s defense was multi-layered. She maintained that the video was filmed during her personal time, in an empty space, and was intended to be "lighthearted." She argued that the termination was a severe overreaction to a minor, non-work-related action.

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Crucially, Diala introduced a controversial element to the debate by suggesting that her termination was disproportionate and possibly influenced by cultural bias. She claimed that the termination was specifically because of the "urban" nature of her dance moves, feeling that her ability to "be yourself" was unfairly penalized.

This claim elevated the discussion from a simple policy violation to a broader conversation about diversity, personal expression, and the often-unwritten rules of professional conduct in a culturally diverse society. Critics of the airline's decision pointed out the double standard often applied to different forms of "fun" content posted by employees.

Beyond the Plane: Nelle Diala's Future and Digital Presence

Losing her job after only six months left Diala in a precarious financial situation. To mitigate the immediate impact, she launched a GoFundMe campaign titled "Losing my job was devastating," setting a goal of $12,000 to help her "make ends meet" while she searched for new opportunities.

The GoFundMe Campaign and Public Support

The fundraiser became a barometer for public opinion, with some supporting her right to personal expression and others siding with the airline's right to protect its brand image. Initial reports indicated the campaign raised a modest amount, showing a mixed reaction from the public.

Despite the setback, the viral nature of the incident has, ironically, opened up new avenues for Diala in the digital sphere. She has transitioned from a flight attendant to a full-fledged social media personality, leveraging her newfound fame to grow her online presence. This pivot is a common trajectory for individuals who become viral sensations, often leading to opportunities in content creation, brand partnerships, and influencing.

Her story serves as a contemporary case study for human resources departments worldwide, emphasizing the need for clear, modern, and equitable social media guidelines. The incident highlights the thin line between an employee’s private life and their professional obligations in an era where every action is potentially one click away from going globally viral. Nelle Diala’s journey is a powerful reminder that for better or worse, the internet never forgets, and a single moment of personal expression can permanently redefine a career path.