DADADEL
Heavily tattooed OF star Ash Putnam, a 23-year-old known as @ashxobrien on TikTok, has sparked controversy by accusing TJ Maxx of discriminating against her based on her appearance. She shared her experience of being denied a part-time job at the store due to her tattoos and piercings.
Putnam applied for the job and received a rejection email weeks later, leading her to express her frustration on TikTok, sparking a conversation about hiring discrimination.
Her first complaint revolved around the impersonal nature of receiving a rejection email rather than a phone call, which the heavily tattooed OF star found insensitive given her efforts in applying.
When she visited her local TJ Maxx to inquire about the rejection, an employee cited a lack of experience. However, Putnam suspected her tattoos influenced the decision, despite the employee’s denial.
Despite not urgently needing the job, the heavily tattooed OF star sought additional income to pay off debt faster. She found it unfair that her tattoos seemingly affected her chances of employment.
Putnam’s visible tattoos include imagery with Satanic connotations, such as a goat representing Baphomet and a Leviathan Cross. While it’s unclear if hiring managers saw her tattoos during the application process, thousands of TikTok users commented on her post, suggesting that her tattoos likely influenced the decision.
@ashxobrien I want to know who is also having a hard time finding a job right now! #jobs #jobmarket ♬ original sound – Ash🖤
Some commenters argued that visible tattoos could be perceived as unprofessional, especially in customer-facing roles like those at TJ Maxx. Others noted the difficulty young adults without prior work experience face in securing employment if companies prioritize experience over potential.
The incident raised broader questions about societal attitudes toward body modifications and hiring practices. Putnam questioned why tattoos should be a barrier to employment, especially when many individuals with tattoos are highly capable workers.
While there’s no definitive evidence that Putnam’s tattoos directly led to her rejection, the incident highlights the ongoing debate about appearance-based discrimination in the workplace. As discussions continue, it’s essential to consider how hiring practices can be more inclusive and equitable for all candidates, regardless of their appearance.
