Love and deception filled the air as a couple slyly tricked an entire restaurant full of patrons. Jaela Bumpas, a Los Angeles, California resident, shared a video on March 6 showcasing a ruse she and her husband orchestrated at a restaurant within the Moana Surfrider resort in Honolulu, Hawaii. The video quickly went viral, sparking a heated debate among viewers.
In the 18-second clip captured by a bystander, Bumpas’ husband pretended to propose to her, prompting cheers and applause from onlookers. The couple then embraced and twirled in a display of playful deceit. The video garnered over 38.2 million views and 462,000 likes on social media platform X, with opinions divided on the ethics of their prank.
While some criticized the couple for what they perceived as dishonest behavior, others found humor and camaraderie in the stunt. The controversy escalated as comments turned derogatory and racially charged towards Bumpas and her husband, who faced unjustified slurs despite the harmless nature of their antics.
Despite the negative backlash, Bumpas emphasized that the drinks they received were not provided by the restaurant but were instead purchased by a fellow customer. The couple, married for four months, clarified that the atmosphere that evening was jovial and positive, with other videos showing Bumpas engaging in friendly interactions beyond the controversial proposal act.
The incident shed light on a trend where individuals feign engagements for perks at upscale establishments, a practice seen in various social media videos. While opinions on the matter varied, the couple’s intention was lighthearted, aiming to enjoy a free drink in a playful manner.
Ultimately, Bumpas and her husband hope that the focus shifts from the divisive reactions to a more light-hearted perspective on their harmless escapade.
Many bars reserve inexpensive or rail alcohols for complimentary offerings. Bashirian explains that while no one has proposed (or fake-proposed) at his restaurant yet, he knows exactly how he would respond. “You still want to demonstrate hospitality and provide extra attention to your customers,” he says. “Ensure you show appreciation and enjoy the moment, but you don’t need to break out the Dom or anything.” In June 2021, another couple on vacation took this fake-engagement ruse to the extreme. “Pretending we ‘just got engaged today’ on vacation to receive freebies,” says TikTok user @kenzielynnsmith in a video showcasing their day of playful deception. “I feel guilty.” The couple managed to secure multiple cocktails, Dunkin’ treats, pizza, cake, a full dinner, and more. However, the comments section was filled with critics. “Don’t exploit people who are willing to give,” one user commented. This article was first published on TODAY.com.
