A TikTok video posted by a St. Louis cosmetic surgery business is seeking the public’s help to identify a woman accused of taking a personalized gift during the business’s grand opening event. The video, which presents itself as security camera footage, appears to show a woman taking a gift meant for the event’s host.
The footage, posted by the account Willis Cosmetic Surgery, shows a woman with gray hair and glasses, wearing a floral top, at a table during the event. In the clip, she is seen picking up a blue gift bag. On-screen text in the video states, “If anyone recognizes this woman, please message me. According to the video’s creator, she took a personal gift from my Grand Opening event last night.”
The video shows the woman holding the bag, with on-screen text quoting her as saying, “I’m taking it.” She then places it back on the table. Later, the footage shows her picking up a small glass object from the table and tearing off a white tag attached to it. A close-up of the tag reveals handwritten text that reads, “Dr. Willis ❤️ Lindsay & Dawson.”
The host said the item has “tremendous sentimental value”
The video’s caption, posted publicly on TikTok, explains the context. “Last night was our Grand Opening, and it was honestly such a special night,” the caption begins. It goes on to state that the business gave away services, gifts, food, and drinks.
“Unfortunately, one thing happened that put a damper on an otherwise amazing evening,” the caption continues. “A personalized gift that was made specifically for me was picked up and taken by another attendee.” The host emphasized the gift’s importance, stating, “It has very little value to anyone else, but it has tremendous sentimental value to me.”
The video’s caption also includes a direct appeal. “I’m not posting this to publicly shame or attack anyone. I simply want my gift back,” it says. The host asks anyone who recognizes the woman to send a private message and not to post personal information publicly.
“If this video happens to reach her, please just return it to Willis Cosmetic Surgery. No drama. No confrontation. I just want the gift back,” the caption states. It concludes with a request for people to share the video.
The security footage in the TikTok clip appears to show the woman walking away from the table, carrying the blue gift bag. The video includes on-screen text stating, “Left with all the free things we provided AND my gift 😥,” suggesting she took other complimentary items as well. A voice in the video can be heard saying, “There she goes,” as the woman is shown walking through the event space. According to the video’s creator, the use of security footage to publicly identify someone extends beyond retail theft, as home security cameras have also captured controversial visitor entries.
The TikTok video has prompted numerous comments from viewers. One comment reads, “put it on a local FB group! somebody knows her!” Another user commented, “can’t wait for tiktok to blow this up and bring me back tonight when someone knows her 🩷.”
Other comments expressed sympathy and frustration. “Ooooh I hate a thief. I’m so sorry this happened 🤬,” one person wrote. Another asked, “srry that happened but what was the gift???” A viewer also commented on the evidence, saying, “I love she was on video the whole time. 😂😂😂.”
