Strangers mocked me in my wheelchair for ‘tongue out’ trend on TikTok. Nobody intervened

A BBC reporter recently endured a distressing incident of public mockery, targeted while using his wheelchair. He described being approached directly by an individual who performed a ‘tongue out’ gesture, a behavior associated with a current trend on the social media platform TikTok. A second person was actively filming the encounter from behind. The journalist expressed profound disappointment and shock that despite the clear and public nature of the harassment, no bystanders present intervened to offer support or assistance. This incident highlights concerns about public conduct and the lack of intervention in situations where individuals with disabilities face disrespectful and targeted actions. The reporter’s account underscores the emotional impact of such public ridicule and the isolation felt when confronted with open hostility without community support.