A social media influencer has lost her job after using a racial slur in a TikTok video and refusing to apologize for it.

Lilly Gaddis, who is white, posted a clip on her now-deactivated account in which she discussed stereotypes about “gold diggers.” During her rant, she used the n-word and several other offensive comments about women and immigrants. Viewers immediately condemned the language, calling it harmful and unacceptable.

Instead of apologizing, Gaddis responded to the criticism with another video. She acknowledged people were angry but said she “couldn’t find a care,” making it clear she stood by her remarks.

Her employer, Rophe of the Carolinas, released a public statement announcing she had been terminated from her marketing and sales manager role. The company noted that it is both African American–owned and immigrant-owned, and said it moved quickly to address the situation. It reaffirmed its commitment to a workplace built on respect, inclusion, and diversity.

Following her firing, Gaddis claimed her free-speech rights were violated. She then stirred further controversy with another TikTok in which she insulted “nerds” and former classmates she described as “yuck.” TikTok later removed the audio for violating platform rules.

The company behind the firing says it hopes to rebuild trust with its community after the incident.