By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-10-01 22:15:53 | Updated at 2024-10-02 20:30:14
22 hours ago
An influencer has lifted the lid on how eerily 'easy' it is for someone to spike your drink during a night out as she tainted her own pals' cups as an example.
Shirah Benarde is the founder and CEO of Nightcap, a scrunchie that doubles as a drink cover.
When she isn't selling her creation, the Forbes 30 Under 30 member is sharing information about the risks associated with having a night out on the town on her TikTok channel, where she boasts over 113,000 followers.
Most recently, the 21-year-old took to the video-sharing platform to raise awareness about drink spiking by recording herself lacing her friends' drinks during various events.
In the eye-opening clip, which has so far amassed over 184,000 views, she 'spiked' her friends' drinks by putting candy in them when they weren't looking to illustrate how 'quick' a predator could take advantage of you.
An influencer has lifted the lid on how eerily 'easy' it is for someone to spike your drink during a night out as she tainted her own pals' cups as an example
Shirah Benarde is the founder and CEO of Nightcap, a scrunchie that doubles as a drink cover
She captioned the video: 'With everything going on with Diddy right now, this is important to remember. Do not let your guard down even at a private party.'
Shirah was referring to the disgraced hip-hop mogul's arrest on September 16, during which he was charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Diddy was most recently accused of spiking drinks with horse tranquilizer after 120 victims came forward.
In an attempt to shine light on the dangerous realities of enjoying a boozy beverage at the bar with your pals, the businesswoman shared footage of herself tossing candy into drinks when people weren't looking.
'Spiking my friends' drinks with candy to show them how easy it is,' she said at the start of the video.
The video then cuts to various clips of Shirah dropping candies into her friends' drinks while they were texting or speaking to someone.
As she tossed gum drops into cans and squeezed sweeteners into cups, she revealed that the majority of people aren't thinking about the dangers of leaving their beverages unattended.
She said, 'Drink spiking most likely happens by someone you know, think about what's going on with Diddy right now.
Most recently, the 21-year-old took to the video-sharing platform to raise awareness about drink spiking by recording herself lacing her friends' drinks during various events
She frequently showcases her product (seen), which is a scrunchie that doubles as a drink cover
'Pre-games and private events provide a false sense of security. You don't expect anything to happen but it does.
'It's that quick and easy,' she added as she pretended to give her pal a hug while 'spiking' his beverage.
Shirah showed how distracted people are while under the effects of alcohol as she successfully spiked drinks, despite the owner being right in front of their beverage.
She added: 'You people aren't paying attention. You thought I was asking him a question. Your drink can be spiked even if it's water.
'Men get roofied too, doesn't matter if you are drinking out of a can or a bottle. Always watch the bartender make your drink and order an angel shot if you feel uncomfortable.'
An angel shot is used to signal help and has been explained in many viral videos. Some users have even described the different ways of ordering the 'drink' depending on the severity of the situation.
At the end of the clip, the influencer said: 'Never leave your drink unattended - with or without a nightcap.'
People on the web flocked to the comments section and praised the content creator for the shocking video.
One person said: 'Honestly this is a fun way to teach your friends to pay attention to their drinks.'
People on the web flocked to the comments section and praised the content creator for the shocking video
Someone else added: 'So smart.'
Another user wrote: 'That is terrifying to see it in real-time.'
'Love this! People think it's really difficult to do,' wrote someone else.
The clip comes amid the bombshell allegations against Diddy, who is making a third attempt at bail after two previous denials - two weeks after he was arrested on sex trafficking charges.
He has added renowned attorneys Anthony Ricco and Alexandra Shapiro to his legal team, which already included seasoned lawyer Marc Agnifilo - a former Manhattan Assistant District Attorney.
The charges, which detail allegations dating back to 2008, accuse him of abusing, threatening and coercing women for years 'to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct.'
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following his arrest, he was denied bail by judge Andrew L. Carter, after he used both his and his mother's homes in Miami - worth $50 million - as collateral.
The rapper made headlines again after over 100 victims accused him of spiking their beverage.
In the eye-opening clip, which has so far amassed over 184,000 views, she 'spiked' her friends' drinks by putting candy in them when they weren't looking (stock image)
The clip comes amid the bombshell allegations against Diddy, (seen in 2022) who is making a third attempt at bail after two previous denials
How an angel shot can save your life and the different ways to order it
- The drink order the 'angel shot' is a codeword for discreetly asking for help from a bartender.
- The drink can potentially save a life and can be ordered three different ways depending on the severity of the situation.
- The first is an angel shot with lime, which lets bartenders and staff know the situation is severe and to call the cops.
- An angel shot neat is the second way to order the drink, which means you need security or a bartender to walk you to your car.
- And the last way to order the drink is by asking for an angel shot on the rocks or with ice, which tells bartenders to order an Uber, Lyft or taxi for you.
According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, drink spiking is extremely common and often goes unnoticed.
The drug or extra alcohol in your drink could be colorless, odorless and tasteless, meaning you won't be able to tell if your drink has been spiked.
Warning signs include: feeling dizzy or faint, feeling ill or sleepy, feeling drunk even if you've only had a little bit of alcohol to drink, passing out and waking up feeling uncomfortable and confused, with memory blanks about the night before.
To protect yourself from the dangers of drink spiking, keep your drink with you at all times and don't take your eyes off of it, even when talking to your pals.
Another way to protect yourself is by asking for an angel shot, which is a product of the 'ask for Angela' campaign, which began in Lincolnshire, United Kingdom, in 2016.
In the wake of the #MeToo movement, awareness about sexual assault was at an all-time high, so the Lincolnshire County Council developed the 'ask for Angela' campaign.
Many bars and restaurants began to implement the 'ask for Angela' campaign, which was designed to prevent sexual violence and urge those who felt unsafe to 'ask for Angela.'
When the staff would receive the request, they would help the customer discreetly leave the bar or restaurant and call the police if needed.
The 'ask for Angela' campaign became popular in Europe and caused the US to develop its own version, known as the 'angel shot.'
Since there are no requirements to bar or restaurant staff to know what the secret drink order means, many on social media have urged those ordering to have the meaning pulled up on their phone or ask the bartender to look it up.
