**Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre Addresses Viral Sensation of ‘Pink Coat Girl’**
A series of surging viral videos, featuring a young girl dubbed ‘pink coat girl’, have captured the attention of millions across social media platforms after scenes of chaos reportedly unfolded inside Manchester’s Arndale shopping centre. Footage uploaded online has prompted widespread debate, dividing opinions on the behaviour on display and sparking commentary from the public and celebrities alike.
Clips circulated on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) over the weekend show a girl in a bright pink coat clambering across escalators, tussling with a group of security guards, and, at one point, grabbing another shopper by the hair. These scenes have variously been described by viewers as humorous, shocking, and concerning. In just a matter of days, one of the TikTok videos has been viewed upwards of 55 million times, while a short clip on X racked up over 13 million views in half a day—a testament to the public fascination with the incident.
Various moments in the footage chronicle a heated exchange between the girl’s family and other shoppers outside a shop, with security staff intervening to keep the groups apart. At one stage, the girl is seen scaling the central partition between two moving escalators before making her way up the stationary side. She then approaches a leery crowd of shoppers at the top, where she is captured grabbing a woman’s hair before retreating, notably smiling on her descent.
The sharp polarisation of public sentiment has become a defining feature of this viral sensation. Some commentators have hailed her as an entertaining ‘diva’, drawing comparisons to boisterous fictional characters such as Junie B. Jones or Cindy Lou Who. Quotes from amused viewers include, “the pink jacket girl CLIMBING OVER the escalator, going back down it, and then going back up just gag her is frying me like WHO IS THIS DIVA LMFAOOO.” Others leapt to her defence, minimising any concerns about her daring antics.
However, not every observer shares the enthusiasm. A significant portion of viewers has voiced strong criticism, decrying the behaviour witnessed, condemning those cheering her on, and expressing concern for the safety of everyone present. One person pointedly remarked, “Parents need to start parenting,” while another lamented, “Endangering others safety as well as her own. Why are we calling her diva again?” The reactions reflect wider national conversations about children’s behaviour in public and the responsibilities of those in charge of their welfare.
In light of the ongoing discourse, the Manchester Arndale shopping centre has officially addressed the circulating footage. A statement issued by the management acknowledges awareness of the videos in question and confirms the involvement of their security team. However, they clarified that the incident shown did not take place recently. Rather, it occurred “several years ago,” a point that has been verified by a review of the original TikTok account, which initially posted the videos in March 2022.
This revelation has added an unexpected twist to the viral episode. Many viewers, encountering the video for the first time in its newly reposted context, had mistakenly assumed it showed a current event. The recycling of old content—and its propensity to ignite fresh controversy—demonstrates the unique challenges of viral media in today’s digital landscape.
The story took on new life as media personalities got involved. Actress Kelli Hollis, known for her role in Shameless, weighed in by sharing the clip with her followers and offering a less sympathetic assessment. In her view, the girl was “a little madam” whose antics were more worrisome than amusing. “She ain’t a little diva, her. She’s going to be a little nightmare is what she is,” Hollis commented, referencing what she saw as cheeky, but worrying, behaviour.
The incident ultimately underscores the profound impact and rapid reach of viral content in shaping public narratives. While debates about parenting and discipline swirl, the context of internet virality—where old footage can resurface and reignite passionate discussions—remains as vital as the actions themselves. In the end, Manchester Arndale’s measured response places the episode firmly in the past, even as its resonance continues to ripple through online communities.