A Lurgan interiors business says it has been left “devastated” after being targeted for a second time by abusive content on TikTok – a platform it does not even use.
Alana Interiors, based at Kitchen Hill, confirmed on Tuesday that images of the business had been lifted and used in “vile” videos to promote what it described as someone else’s agenda.
In a statement shared on its social media channels, the independent retailer said: “We are devastated to be targeted on a social media account by an individual or group on TikTok with vile content using our images to promote their agenda.
“We do not use TikTok and have no presence on this platform.
“We are in the process of reporting this vile activity to the police once again and we [will] be working hard to get this taken down for the second time.
“We want to thank our loyal customers for informing us and supporting us through this, you have no idea how much this upsets us as a local independent business.”
In a video message to customers, staff member Libby said the business had been alerted by people calling into the shop and phoning to flag the material.
“This afternoon, we’ve been made aware…of a serious issue that’s been brought to our attention, and we want to thank the people who have come in and let us know and who have rang us,” she said.
“Our business has been targeted once again by unauthorised activity on social media. It’s on a platform that we do not use, and it’s something that’s really upset us this afternoon, and we’re taking it really seriously.
“We’re currently addressing this, and I just want to emphasise that we do not agree with any of the things that these people have been saying, and this does not in any way reflect our business ethos or our personal opinions.
“And I just want to thank you all for your understanding. I want to thank you for coming in and letting us know and for ringing us. And we’re trying to work with TikTok and social media to get this sorted out at the moment.”
Sinn Féin councillor Keith Haughian offered his support to the business, saying: “Very sorry to hear you were targeted in this fashion. Social media companies need to do more to stop anonymous trolls.”
