The “She deserved the purse” trend, which began as a heartwarming tribute to struggling mothers, has gained massive traction on TikTok. Inspired by a viral video of hidden money in baby aisles, the movement initially aimed to assist moms in need, but recent developments show a less positive side.
At its core, this trend involves kindhearted shoppers leaving money in baby product aisles at stores like Target, encouraging struggling mothers to find the hidden cash. The trend quickly went viral, with creators like Tabitha Swatosh garnering millions of views—one of her videos reached over 55 million views. Despite the original purpose, the trend’s trajectory has shifted as some individuals began exploiting it for personal gain.
One shopper, Tina (@tinalee____), experienced this firsthand. While at Target, she overheard a young man excitedly exclaim about finding multiple $20 bills in the baby formula section. According to Tina’s TikTok post, these individuals were using the “she deserved the purse” trend as an opportunity for their own benefit, creating content at the expense of the mothers it was designed to help. Tina expressed her anger and disappointment, describing the teenagers’ behavior as disrespectful.
‘She deserved the purse’ Trend Misused?
Although the movement started with a generous purpose, some creators have turned the wholesome act into a chance to profit off social media views. Tina’s video ignited debates online, as many users suggested that the person she filmed may have staged the entire situation. Content creator Ollie Muhl was even accused of creating fake videos for attention, fueling the controversy. Despite this, Tina remains frustrated by what she calls the misuse of a trend meant to support families in need.
Tina, an immigrant mother, emphasized her deep admiration for the trend’s original intention, but noted how it has been twisted by others. She shared that although some viewers defended the teenagers’ actions, she was “disgusted” and couldn’t find any humor in their behavior. She also highlighted her frustration with Target employees, who allegedly observed the situation but took no action.
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Is Everything as It Seems?
Critics of Tina’s post argued that the video was staged, pointing to previous clips where Ollie Muhl supposedly donated money after pretending to take it. Yet, even if these incidents were orchestrated, Tina’s concern about the message it sends to struggling mothers remains valid. As she explained, “This trend is serious,” and staging content for social media undermines the sincerity behind it.
Tina’s video, which went viral itself, has sparked a broader conversation about how social media can distort well-meaning trends. She hopes this awareness will encourage others to donate money directly to mothers in need rather than relying on viral content. Though she did not confront the teenagers at the time, citing her pregnancy and fear of escalation, she stands by her decision to raise awareness through TikTok.
The “she deserved the purse” trend has highlighted both the generosity of strangers and the chaotic culture of social media fame. What began as a simple act of kindness is now at risk of losing its purpose, yet Tina’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to the original intent: supporting families in need.
Ollie didn’t immediately respond to Manzelan’s request for comment via email and TikTok comment. We also reached out to Target via email.
