TikTok is a weird place. One day, it’s people spending hundreds of pounds because they don’t know what “MKT” means at a restaurant. Next, we’re spiralling into conspiracy theories about Labubu and Pazuzu. And now, we’ve got the antipasto saga.
What saga, you ask? If you’re not criminally online, you might’ve missed it, but I’m here to explain the entire thing. A neighbourhood misunderstanding over a 4th of July get-together has somehow spiralled into full-blown internet drama with global views, deleted apology videos, and possibly the most emotionally charged charcuterie board of all time.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
So, how did the TikTok antipasto saga actually start?
@folkmedicineremedies I am absolutely #humiliated this was such a bad #experience and I felt absolutely like they were just #bullies #hurtmyfeelings #fyp #viral #wtf #mean #rude #july4th #partypooper #aita
It all started when Nicole (@folkmedicineremedies) posted a tearful TikTok from her car, explaining how she had just been rejected from a neighbourhood 4th of July party. She was new to the area, invited, or so she thought, by the mum of her son’s friend, and came bearing a lovingly made antipasto platter full of homegrown veggies, meats, and cheeses.
But instead of a warm welcome, she says she was met with cold stares and told by the host, Jake, that he was “furious” a stranger had entered his house. She tried to explain, to introduce herself, but the vibe was very much not it. Feeling humiliated and out of place, she left.
Her video ended with a line that almost everyone across TikTok related to: “This is why you don’t make friends in your thirties.”
Stasia, the host’s deleted response made it worse
@rottenwronguns Stasia Hicks and Jake Hicks 4th July Party #apology #4thofjuly #apologyvideo ps you’ve reached
Soon after, Stasia, one of the party hosts, posted a response video. But instead of smoothing things over, it poured gasoline on the fire.
She said Nicole was allowed to “hang out,” but not come inside the house, whatever that means. And she claimed it wasn’t a “party,” just a “get-together of people who knew each other.”
That line immediately blew up. TikTokers started responding to it. They turned it into a meme, drama, even comedy skits of some sorts. The contradiction of inviting someone but not wanting them inside didn’t sit right with… well, anyone. Stasia ended up deleting the video, but it was far too late. A lot of people had already shared the video.
Then came the texts, calls, and Ring camera footage
@folkmedicineremedies The homeowner called me. To #apologize . That’s very nice of him. #fyp #july4th #update
Nicole followed up by sharing screenshots of her text convo with Samantha, the one who originally invited her. The texts clearly showed that Nicole’s arrival wasn’t a surprise, and even included a picture of the now-iconic antipasto plate.
But that wasn’t all. Nicole also posted a recorded phone call with Jake, where he initially said he didn’t know she was coming. Then, awkwardly, admitted he did, he just thought she was dropping off her kid.
The plot thickened again when Jake’s mother entered the drama with her own TikTok. She defended her son and claimed it was “just a cookout for neighbours.” She even posted Ring camera footage of the day to prove a point. But after backlash, that video vanished too.
So, what’s happening now?
@folkmedicineremedies Just a little #goodmorning and #recap from #july4th … I appreciate and love you all and I #thankyou all SO much for being in my corner. I will try my best to answer any unclear details if I can. You people are all just such wonderful humans, and I am so gracious for that! Thank you times a million
#fyp
Since going viral, Nicole has gained a ton of followers, joined the TikTok Creator Rewards Program, and continued posting, mostly to share what the whole situation felt like.
And while people were divided at first, the majority seem firmly on Nicole’s side. Many TikTokers said they’d had similar experiences, moments where they tried to put themselves out there and were made to feel like intruders.
The biggest heartbreak of all was that the beautiful antipasto never got the love it deserved.
Justice for the antipasto.
For more like this, like The Tab on Facebook.
