Tiger’s Milk has apologised and removed the names of notorious killers from the walls of its unisex bathrooms after the décor sparked widespread backlash on social media.
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The controversy began after a woman shared a video showing the names of convicted South African murderer and rapist Thabo Bester and American serial killer Ted Bundy displayed inside one of the restaurant’s themed bathrooms. The décor also reportedly included prison-style tally marks and a portrait of civil rights activist Rosa Parks.
Tiger’s Milk apologises
Responding to the criticism, Tiger’s Milk said the bathrooms formed part of a broader military-themed interior design. The unisex bathrooms had been designed to represent a “prison” as part of the theme.
However, the restaurant acknowledged that displaying the names of serial killers was inappropriate given the current climate around violence against women in South Africa.
The restaurant said its operations team acted quickly after the issue was brought to its attention and removed the text from the bathroom walls.
The restaurant chain also issued an apology to people offended by the display, saying it regretted the decision and appreciated the person who brought the issue to its attention.
Tiger’s Milk responded to the video shared on TikTok:
“Hi there, thank you for sharing this with our marketing team. We would like to extend our sincere apologies regarding the themed bathrooms, as we have always aimed to be a brand that is “Restricted to Everyone.” The store’s military theme was carried through to the unisex bathrooms, which were earmarked as the ‘prison’ in the initial interior designs.
“We acknowledge that the names of serial killers in our restrooms, in a country’s volatile climate towards women, can be communicated as deeply insensitive. We would like to confirm that our operations team responded swiftly and has since removed the text. Once again, we are sincerely sorry and appreciate you bringing this to our attention.”
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Backlash over the controversial décor
The incident generated criticism online, with social media users questioning why the names of men associated with serious violence, including violence against women, were being used as part of the décor in unisex bathrooms.
The backlash comes as South Africa faces renewed concern over violence against women following the discovery of several women’s bodies around Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas. Police have warned that while investigators are examining similarities between some of the cases, they have not confirmed that a serial killer is responsible.
The timing intensified criticism of Tiger’s Milk, with the choice of décor being viewed by critics as particularly insensitive amid the heightened national conversation around gender-based violence.
@cwayitajemsana_ Am I being dramatic or is this inappropriate? #tigersmilkza #awareness #inappropriate ♬ original sound – cwayitajemsana_
A wider conversation
The controversy has also raised questions about how restaurants and entertainment venues approach provocative or themed décor, particularly when it references real people associated with violent crimes.
While Tiger’s Milk said the installation was intended to fit its military and prison theme, the restaurant acknowledged that the context could be interpreted differently, especially against the backdrop of South Africa’s ongoing concerns about violence against women.
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