Warning: Video Contains NSFW Language
After a uniform change went into effect at some Hooters restaurants went viral on TikTok, the restaurant chain has decided to scrap the new shorts after backlash.
Since the videos started getting shared on the platform last week, they have been seen millions of times. The videos show the new black uniform shorts which are much, much smaller than the previous ones. They are so much smaller that they're even being called "underwear."
The videos stirred up controversy with many claiming that the new shorts only foster an outdated concept centered around the sexualization of servers' bodies.
While some of the clips uploaded to TikTok merely show what the new shorts were like compared to the previous ones, some of the women in the videos seemed to joke that they would rather quit than wear the new ones.
Hooters restaurants are actually owned by two different companies: Hooters of America, LLC, which operates about 420 locations in the U.S. and around the world, and The Original Hooters Group which has about 25 locations in the U.S. Hooters of America was responsible for the rollout of the new shorts in Texas before deciding to start distributing them in other locations.
Hooters of America said in an email statement that "The new uniforms were the result of a collaboration with Hooters Girls. These uniforms have been worn for months in several Texas markets and have received overwhelmingly favorable reviews from both Hooters Girls and customers."
However, it seems that the company is changing plans. In a different statement, Hooters of America says that they are giving servers the option of wearing the new shorts or the older ones.
"They can determine which style of shorts best fits their body style and personal image," the statement read. "We’re excited to see a national trend toward self-expression and inclusivity that bodes well for our marketplace. We work continuously with our Hooters Girls to refresh and update the image of our brand ambassadors and to empower them to feel their best while at work."
Source: Yahoo! News