'Inappropriate and rude': Content creators get flak for pranking dancers at *Scape

This was a prank which apparently didn't work.

Content creator Excuse Me Singapore has come under fire after their recent prank at *Scape appears to have offended the dancing community, according to their video on Tuesday (Sept 8).

In their post, Excuse Me Singapore shares that the loser of a match of rock-paper-scissors must listen to the winner's orders — "No backing out. No excuses. No dignity."

The loser, a female host, is told by her male counterpart to approach a group of dancers at *Scape.

His first challenge to her is to go up to the group once their music starts playing, and shout at them to stop the music.

"I cannot, they are f****** serious right now," the female host says, but she does it anyway.

When she tells the dancers to stop, they have visibly different emotions — some seem to realise the funny side of it and smile, while others appear shocked and angry.

The female host is then instructed to challenge them to a dance-off, to which one of the dancers seems to smile and accept.

Other dancers can also be seen grinning, possibly finding the host's antics entertaining.

As the 'battle' proceeds, one dancer can be seen facing away from the camera, shaking his head and walking away.

The mood seems to shift as the female host is given her third challenge — to get on her knees and plead to enter the dance group.

While one of the dancers can still be seen smiling, the rest appear serious and reject the host multiple times.

Her fourth task was then provided to her as the male host instructs his counterpart to say: "Okay, never mind, you guys are too lame for me anyways."

While it is unclear if she fully delivered the line, the female host backs off as the prank segment ends.

Was consent sought?

The female host can be seen approaching one of the dancers in long sleeves.

"This is the prank that I was telling you [about] just now," she can be heard saying. "Oh my god, are you all okay or not?"

It's then revealed that the dancers were doing their "very final trial" and that one of their members was "very angry already".

Realising the situation, both the hosts of Excuse Me Singapore apologise profusely, extending well-wishes to the group.

While the video appears to end on a slightly sour note, many commenters were far from happy with their prank.

"Brushing it off as a 'prank' by disturbing people who are laser-focused in doing their own thing is really an inappropriate and rude behaviour.

"I hope you two sincerely consider taking the video down," said one.

Another user highlighted the negative impact the video might have on the dance community, explaining: "We already have limited spaces to gather in Singapore to practise for dance, and *Scape is meant to be a safe space.

"So imagine how this video could invite other potential troublemakers to do the same… Hope y'all learn from this and please — respect our time and space. Basic courtesy 101."

A user also pointed out that it is difficult for a full crew of dancers to find time and energy to get together and practise, as they require adequate breaks and deal with other commitments.

"Next time, read the room," the user stated.

'I'm genuinely sorry'

The female host who goes by Onionkebab0 on TikTok has since offered her sincere apologies for the prank, according to a video shared on Friday (Sept 11).

"I'm genuinely sorry to the dance crew that was affected by what I did," she began.

"The prank was really too much - it was out of line and I completely understand why people are affected and hurt by it, especially the dance community."

She has since reached out to the dance crew privately to offer an apology and discuss a resolution, Onionkebab0 added.

She also explained that she had "read the room" during the prank and felt it was getting overboard, but she stuck through it because she "had a job to deliver".

However, she chose to steer away from the script she was given, because that might have caused additional harm, the content creator said.

Onionkebab0 also shared that both herself and the male host, Skylar, have "no access" to the video and any of the edits made, and thus have not taken the video down.

"(If we had) control over it, we wouldn't have even posted the video in the first place," she said.

@onionkebab0 This video is specifically made to address my apology to @REALAY DANCE CREW I felt it was incredibly important to speak on this directly. This has definitely been a huge learning experience for me regarding the dance community. Thank you so much to everyone from the crew for taking the time to hear @Skyla 🐣 and me out, listening to our side, and showing us understanding. I truly appreciate it ❤️. #sgtiktok ♬ original sound - onionkebab0

Responding to queries from AsiaOne, a *Scape spokesperson stressed that the location is "a shared space for young people to gather, practise, create and express themselves". 

As a shared space, however, everyone must play a part in "fostering a positive environment", the spokesperson said.

"We encourage all users to be mindful of how their activities may affect others, and to treat one another with mutual respect and consideration. This includes being thoughtful about activities that may disrupt others' use of the space."

*Scape staff will also mediate when needed and can be approached if help is required.

AsiaOne has contacted Excuse Me Singapore for comment.

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khooyihang@asiaone.com