NEW YORK — A routine food delivery in upstate New York shifted into a criminal investigation after authorities accused a DoorDash driver of unlawfully recording and publicly sharing footage of a passed-out, naked customer inside his home.
The case, now unfolding in Oswego City Court, has drawn widespread attention due to the video’s viral reach and the driver’s claim that she believed she was the victim of sexual harassment.
Police Investigation Begins After Viral TikTok Post
According to Oswego police, 23-year-old Olivia Henderson was arrested in late November after investigators determined that her viral TikTok — viewed nearly 30 million times before removal — showed a male customer unconscious and unclothed on his couch during a food delivery.
Henderson had filed a police report claiming the man intentionally exposed himself to her when she arrived on Oct. 12. But detectives concluded the man had been passed out drunk inside his home, unaware of her presence. The front door was open, and he did not respond to her arrival.
Police allege Henderson intentionally recorded him through the doorway and posted the footage, along with commentary suggesting he sexually harassed her. Prosecutors say this constituted an invasion of privacy and violated New York’s unlawful surveillance statute.
Felony Charges Announced Against DoorDash Driver
Henderson now faces two felony counts:
- Unlawful surveillance in the second degree, and
- Dissemination of an unlawful surveillance image in the first degree.
Together, the charges carry a potential sentence of up to eight years in prison.
During her arraignment on Thursday, Henderson’s attorney waived a formal reading of the charges and entered a not guilty plea. The judge released her without bail under an agreement with prosecutors.
Outside the courthouse, Henderson avoided reporters. Her father held his jacket over her head as the pair hurried to a waiting car, declining to answer questions.
DoorDash Responds, Says Video Violated Company Policy
In multiple statements, DoorDash disputed Henderson’s earlier claims that her account was unfairly deactivated. The company confirmed she was removed solely because she posted video footage of a customer inside their home, which violates their privacy rules.
“Posting a video of a customer in their home, and disclosing their personal details publicly, is a clear violation of our policies,” DoorDash said, noting that both Henderson’s account and the customer’s account were temporarily deactivated during the review.
Henderson had accused the company on TikTok of punishing her despite her being “the victim.” Prosecutors say her account of the incident contradicts the evidence.
Defense Expected to Challenge Intent Behind Recording
Henderson has insisted online that she believed she was recording evidence of misconduct, though police say the customer’s condition and the open-door layout suggest no intentional act on his part. The defense is expected to argue that Henderson acted out of concern or confusion, while prosecutors maintain she knowingly misrepresented the situation to fuel a viral post.
The case highlights a growing legal issue involving delivery work, home surveillance, and social media exposure — particularly as viral content increasingly intersects with criminal law.
Next Steps in Court
Henderson is due back in Oswego City Court in January. Prosecutors have not indicated whether further charges will be considered. Meanwhile, the video remains deleted, and authorities have asked the public not to share archived versions to avoid additional privacy violations.
What do you think about cases where viral videos collide with privacy laws and criminal charges? Share your thoughts in the comments — do these incidents reflect misuse of social media, or confusion in high-pressure moments?
