A Wisconsin car salesman, Kenny Rua, posted a TikTok video earlier this month where he claimed to have sold a car to a single mother for $10,000 over the sticker price. The video, uploaded under the username @KennySelllss, received thousands of views before it was later removed. In the clip, Rua was seen smiling as the caption said, “You Look Happier…Thanks, I just sold a single mom a car $10,000 over sticker.”
The online response from TikTok viewers was widely negative, with many people expressing anger over the video in the comments. Some even took it further by posting harsh reviews about the dealership.
Rua later admitted the video was intended as a joke, but the negative reaction forced the dealership to take immediate action and fire him. A Facebook post by the dealership read, "Effective immediately, Zeigler Honda of Racine has decided to part ways with the salesperson responsible for a recent TikTok video that falsely represented our sales practices, regardless of his intent. His actions do not represent the values we stand for as a dealership and a community of professionals.”
The next day, Rua returned to TikTok with a new video, this time offering an apology for his earlier post.
“It was an insensitive joke, I want to apologize to the single mothers and women in general. I’m a single parent myself, I know what that struggle is like, going to work, having to take care of the kids, trying to get everything done on a daily basis…” the salesman shared.
Despite TikTok users finding the initial video upsetting, the comments on Rua's apology video appeared to be supportive.
"Free you bro, it’s satire. We understood it, best of luck with future endeavors," said one comment. Another person said, "I’m a single mom and I think it’s hilarious. People need to stop being so sensitive."
"Of all the things for ppl to be upset about…… this is not that deep to where you should be having to apologize like this," a third person commented, with someone else adding, "Your apology seems sincere and I hope bigger and better opportunities come to you in the future. :) it takes a mature person to come on and apologize."
"It was a trend that I was jumped onto… I find it funny because it's unrealistic. I can't take it back, I can only be held accountable," concluded the now-former car salesman.