Pranked: Influencer Natalie Reynolds Cries Outside TikTok HQ After Account Ban, Begs to Be Reinstated

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Viral video footage showing influencer Natalie Reynolds crying and pleading outside TikTok’s Los Angeles headquarters has reignited controversy after her account was banned amid backlash over a widely criticized prank video.

What Happened

On June 9, 2025, Reynolds was filmed pacing in distress outside TikTok’s LA offices while making tearful phone calls, reportedly begging to be let in. The video quickly spread across social media, with captions reading “In tears she begged to get back in the app.”Multiple reports suggest the ban stemmed from a prank video she posted in May, during which she allegedly paid a homeless woman $20 to jump

into Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas, despite the woman saying she did not know how to swim. Reynolds later claimed it was for a “scavenger hunt.” (Hindustan Times)

TikTok has not publicly confirmed the precise reason for the ban, and Reynolds has stated she was banned as a result of jealousy from other creators.

Her Social Media Presence

Before the ban, Reynolds had amassed around 2.5 million followers on TikTok. She also has a YouTube channel with more than 5.5 million subscribers, and maintains activity on Instagram and Kick (a live streaming platform) (The Daily Dot)

In the days following her plea, Reynolds’ TikTok account was reinstated, reportedly after about 14 days offline. She quickly uploaded multiple videos immediately upon return. (indy100)

Reactions and Criticism

The episode has divided public opinion:

• Some argue the crying plea was a publicity stunt designed to generate sympathy and media attention. (indy100)
• Others expressed empathy, viewing it as a creator’s desperate moment to regain their primary platform.
• Critics heavily condemned the original prank, stating it crossed ethical boundaries by putting someone in danger for views. (The Express Tribune)

Broader Implications

This event raises larger questions about the power and risks of influencer culture, accountability for viral content creators, and how platforms like TikTok enforce policies. When a creator’s livelihood depends on a single platform, bans can carry serious personal and financial consequences.

Do you think Natalie Reynolds’ public plea was genuine or staged? And should platforms like TikTok offer clearer, more transparent reasoning when banning high-profile creators? Let me know your thoughts in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.