LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) — A Lafayette woman is speaking out after a video circulating on social media shows what she describes as a violent fight inside the bathroom of The Office on New Year’s Eve.
The video, posted online, appears to show a smaller woman being attacked by multiple other women inside the bar’s restroom. While the fight itself was disturbing, the woman who shared the video says what stood out most was the lack of immediate intervention.
“I saw that there was a woman being attacked or being jumped by five other women,” said Kaitlynn Lovelady, a Lafayette resident. “There were bystanders all around, and everybody just kind of had their phone out. And then what really got to me was the people standing outside of the door just watching this fight go down.”
Lovelady says the incident is not isolated. She claims she has seen multiple videos over time showing fights inside the bar and decided to post about the situation on TikTok to raise awareness.
“I think staying silent on a very serious situation that could have ended very badly is wrong,” Lovelady said. “I think that establishment owes an apology to everybody.”
Following her post, Lovelady says she contacted Louisiana Alcohol and Tobacco Control, which she says confirmed an investigation is underway. She also reached out to local and state officials to share her concerns.
“We should be holding our bars, our restaurants, every business accountable for things that happen on their premises,” Lovelady said.
Lovelady also alleges she was harassed online after speaking out, claiming employees affiliated with the bar shared her mugshot across social media platforms. She says she has since been in consistent contact with the alleged victim of the attack and the victim’s mother, who continue to seek accountability.
“That doesn’t intimidate me,” Lovelady said. “It won’t silence me. I’m not sorry for speaking out on something that has gone far too long under the rug.”
NewsNation affiliate KLFY reached out to The Office manager for comment regarding the incident and the allegations but did not receive a response.
Louisiana Alcohol and Tobacco Control has not released details about its investigation. The alleged victim and her mother say they continue to seek accountability.