Nathan Freihofer, a popular TikTok influencer and U.S. Army second lieutenant, faced disciplinary action after posting an offensive joke on his social media account.
Nathan Freihofer gained significant attention on social media, particularly on TikTok, where he posted a variety of content, often humorous and related to his life in the military. However, in late August 2020, he posted a video that contained an anti-Semitic joke. The video quickly sparked outrage and led to widespread condemnation.
The U.S. Army took the matter seriously and initiated an investigation into Freihofer’s conduct. The 3rd Infantry Division, to which he was assigned, stated that the remarks in his video were not indicative of the values upheld by the Army. Following the investigation, disciplinary action was taken against him. The specific details of the disciplinary measures were not publicly disclosed, but such actions could range from counseling and reprimands to more severe administrative or punitive measures under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
The incident served as a reminder of the importance of responsible social media use and the potential consequences of posting offensive content, especially for members of the military who are held to high standards of conduct both on and off duty. Freihofer’s case also highlighted the broader challenges and discussions around social media use by service members, including the balance between personal expression and maintaining the professionalism and values expected of military personnel.