If dating inNew York City wasn’t hard enough, one woman has shared her shocking experience of how her Tinder date allegedly stole her beloved Maison Margiela Tabi shoes, valued at nearly $1,000. This bizarre incident caught the attention of social media, leading to viral discussions and a quest for justice.
It all began when TikTok user Lex (@nextlevellexuss) posted a public service announcement urging fellow New Yorkers to beware of a man named Joshua. She accused him of pilfering her prized Tabi Mary Janes from the French fashion label during their date. Lex's TikTok video quickly garnered over 862,000 views, sparking intrigue and concern among viewers.
In the viral video, Lex candidly stated, “Ladies of NYC, be-f***ing-ware. This man is out here on Tinder and Hinge and he will steal from you.” Her story unfolded as she recounted her initial attraction to Joshua, their subsequent dates, and the shocking realization that her treasured shoes were missing.
Unraveling the Tabi Theft
Lex began her story by detailing her chance encounter with Joshua in Manhattan’s Soho neighborhood. After locking eyes with him on the street, she received a message from him on Tinder, leading to a date filled with laughter and connection. Initially, Joshua seemed charming, and they even shared intimate moments, leading Lex to believe he was trustworthy.
However, during their time together, they discussed fashion, and Joshua expressed a desire to own a pair of Tabi boots. The following morning, he borrowed Lex's phone to look up a Spotify playlist, returning it without the playlist but with a conspicuous absence of her cherished shoes. Hours later, Lex discovered her Tabi Mary Janes were missing from her shoe rack.
In her quest to find the missing shoes, Lex reached out to Joshua via text, only to find that he had unmatched her on Tinder. The realization hit her hard: “Oh no. This b**** stole my f***ing shoes,” she exclaimed in disbelief. Unable to locate Joshua’s number, she turned to her followers for help, leading to a social media frenzy.
The Search for Justice
Lex’s TikTok video quickly gained traction, prompting fellow New Yorkers to offer support and information about Joshua. In a follow-up video, she shared her gratitude, declaring, “You guys boosted this s*** so well and got it to the right audiences, I love you guys.” However, the plot thickened when she learned that Joshua had allegedly given her stolen shoes to his girlfriend.
After some back-and-forth communication, Joshua confessed to Lex that he would return her shoes, but only if she removed the TikTok video documenting the incident. In a dramatic twist, Lex managed to capture the moment Joshua returned her Tabi shoes, which he brought on a bicycle, smiling throughout the encounter.
While Lex was relieved to have her shoes back, she reflected on the deeper issues surrounding the situation. She emphasized that the real problem lies in the behavior of people like Joshua, rather than the victims of their actions. Lex’s story serves as a cautionary tale about trust and vigilance in the dating world, especially in a bustling city like New York.
Community Response and Personal Reflection
The incident led to widespread discussions on TikTok, with many users expressing their disbelief at Joshua’s actions. Comments ranged from “Fashion guys are sinister” to inquiries about his girlfriend’s perspective on the situation. Lex even addressed the “slut-shaming” she faced, reminding her audience that victim-blaming is not the solution.
As she concluded her saga, Lex expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she received from strangers and friends alike. She urged everyone to focus on the behavior of individuals like Joshua and reiterated her desire for respect and space for his former girlfriend, who was unaware of his deceitful actions.
Lex encapsulated her experience with a powerful message, stating, “I’m just simply a girl who wanted her shoes back.” Her story not only highlights the importance of awareness in dating but also serves as a reminder of the strength found in community support amidst personal challenges.
