Johnniqua Charles found stardom and internet infamy in February 2020 when, while detained and in handcuffs, she came up with the “you about to lose yo’ job, get this dance!” tune that went viral almost instantly.
But many didn’t know that Charles’ story and what led to that moment was filled with hardship. With a then 3-year-old son, Charles battled addiction and homelessness while trying to save money for an apartment in Dillon, South Carolina before her viral moment.
Related Post: North Carolina Commissioner Fired After Refusing To Address Black Woman With Earned Doctor Title
While leaving Diamond Gentlemen’s Club in Dillon on a night out, Charles attempted to reenter after forgetting her purse inside, NBC News reported, but was then detained by a security guard.
“I think that maybe he thought I was trying to get back inside the club to party a bit more but that simply wasn’t the case. We started getting into a verbal altercation because he wouldn’t let me get my purse,” she told the news outlet.
“He thought I was testing his manhood, and that’s when the handcuffs were thrown on me and that’s how you got the song,” she continued, alluding to the viral “Lose Yo Job” song that was shared all over social media shortly after.
In the video, Charles asked the guard why she’s being detained and then broke out into the catchy song.
Charles said she knew her strip club moment was taking off when friends and families started to tell her about the video, telling People Magazine at the time, “It was a complete shock and overwhelming.”
Following the viral moment, Charles’ family allowed her to move back in.
View this post on Instagram
Last Thursday, Charles offered her thousands of fans and followers an update on her life since becoming a viral sensation, saying in an Instagram video, “Wow, it’s really been a year since “you about to lose yo job” went viral and to me, it’s hitting different.”
The 29-year-old continued, “On the 5th, I will actually be celebrating a year clean of cocaine and clear off of those streets. Thank God. And it might not mean much to nobody else, but it means everything to me,” adding “I am thankful for everybody…I am just grateful, and I want to thank everybody.”
We love to see it. Watch Charles’ video and tell us in the comments what you think about her tremendous growth.
