San Francisco, California—A senior marketing manager at the popular fitness app Strava has been terminated following her arrest for public intoxication after a violent altercation at a local restaurant. The incident attracted widespread attention after a video featuring the altercation went viral on social media platforms.
The employee, identified as Shireen Afkari, was captured in a TikTok video engaged in both verbal and physical assaults against staff at Hazie’s, an upscale establishment in the Hayes Valley neighborhood. Witnesses noted that Afkari and a companion appeared to be heavily intoxicated when they entered the restaurant around 9 PM. Concerns about their behavior led staff to raise red flags about the couple’s level of inebriation long before the chaos ensued.
Miguel Marchese, a bartender at Hazie’s, witnessed the events firsthand. He explained that the server at his section quickly reported trouble, indicating that the couple was not only drunk but potentially under the influence of other substances. The situation prompted the restaurant’s manager to refuse further service and attempt to remove cocktails from their table.
As the situation escalated, Afkari exhibited increasingly aggressive behavior, verbally attacking the staff and lunging at the camera of a fellow diner recording the scene. Visual evidence shows her striking out at staff members and creating a scene within the dining area, where other patrons began to express shock.
As the commotion continued, restaurant staff struggled to remove the pair from the premises, leading to physical confrontations. Afkari reportedly pulled on Marchese’s hair while he attempted to escort her outside, describing the painful experience as she gripped his hair with alarming strength. After several futile attempts to subdue her, staff ultimately managed to eject both individuals into the street, where they continued to resist.
One onlooker captured the dramatic moment when Afkari lunged back toward the restaurant as others tried to hold her companion captive. Amidst the chaos, diners could be heard cheering as the brawl spilled out onto the sidewalk. Ultimately, the arrival of law enforcement led to Afkari’s arrest for public intoxication, while her partner also faced scrutiny for contributing to the disturbance.
Strava acted swiftly, terminating Afkari’s employment the day following the incident. In an official statement, the company emphasized their disapproval of violent conduct and reiterated their commitment to maintaining professional standards among their staff.
Marchese, embodying the trials faced by hospitality workers, reflected on the challenges of dealing with rowdy patrons. He noted that such aggressive interactions are a part of the job, yet they highlight the unexpected situations restaurant staff must navigate daily.
As the aftermath of this incident unfolds, it raises questions about behavior in public spaces and the responsibilities of establishments to ensure the safety of both their employees and guests. The video of the brawl continues to circulate online, serving as a sobering reminder of the potential volatility present in social settings.