The restaurant Tiger's Milk apologized and removed the names of infamous murderers, including Tabor Bester and Ted Bundy, from its themed restrooms after a video posted by one woman sparked widespread controversy. This incident occurred against a backdrop of growing concern in South Africa regarding violence against women.
The video showed names such as the convicted South African murderer and rapist Tabor Bester, as well as the American serial killer Ted Bundy, displayed in the restaurant's themed restrooms. Additionally, a portrait of American civil rights activist Rosa Parks was reportedly present in an unusual design, adding questions about the intention behind the installation.
Tiger's Milk removes controversial text
In an official statement, the restaurant explained that the restrooms were part of a military-themed interior, and the unisex toilets were originally conceived as a depiction of a 'prison'. The restaurant stated: 'The store's theme was extended to the unisex restrooms, which in the initial interior designs were intended as a 'jail'.'
The brand acknowledged that displaying the names of serial killers was highly inappropriate given the current situation in South Africa. It stated: 'We recognize that the names of serial killers in our restrooms, in a country with an unstable climate regarding women, could be perceived as deeply offensive.'
These apologies came at a particularly sensitive time for women in South Africa. Police are investigating the deaths of five women whose bodies were found in the Kempton Park area and surroundings approximately two months ago. These cases have fueled fears that a serial killer may be operating in the area, although police emphasized that investigators have not established any link between the cases or the guilt of a serial killer.
Police warned women in Kempton Park and nearby areas to exercise extreme caution after detectives discovered disturbing similarities in some of these cases. Recent events have once again placed women's safety at the center of national discussion on gender-based violence. Against this backdrop, the sight of the names of notorious murderers in a restroom accessible to women naturally caused bewilderment.
Tiger's Milk reported that its operational team responded promptly after the issue was brought to their attention. The restaurant confirmed: 'We would like to confirm that our operations team reacted quickly and has since removed the text.' The restaurant also apologized to those offended by the display, adding: 'We sincerely regret it again and thank you for bringing this to our attention.'