Woman Opens Up About Aftermath of Pole Dancing Accident That Flooded Her Apartment: ‘Ive Cried Every Day’ (Exclusive)

In a remarkable incident that has taken the internet by storm, a Houston resident, Asha Gilbert, inadvertently flooded her apartment while participating in a pole dancing workout on July 6. The mishap occurred when her pole accidently struck a fire sprinkler, leading to a dramatic deluge that was captured in a now-viral TikTok video boasting over 12 million views.

The footage shows Gilbert executing a spin on the pole, which caused it to dislodge and activate the sprinkler system. Water erupted throughout her apartment, prompting her to quickly vacate the area along with her dog to safety. Fortunately, both Gilbert and her pet emerged unharmed from the chaotic scene.

Nearly two weeks post-incident, Gilbert has shared that she is on the path to recovery and is regaining a sense of routine. “I’m getting back to a sense of normalcy,” she stated during a conversation with PEOPLE. “I started back in the gym this week, which was great. My anxiety has lessened a lot, and I’m starting to feel back to normal, for sure.”

In a subsequent TikTok update, posted on July 10, Gilbert depicted the overwhelming aftermath of the flooding, revealing that she was moving due to the extensive damage caused. She expressed her apologies to those affected by the incident, indicating a sense of responsibility for the unexpected chaos.

Gilbert confirmed that she relocated on the same day as the event, crediting her local sober community and dog park friends for assisting her in settling into her new place promptly. “Thanks to my support system, I was able to get into my place and unpack pretty quickly,” she reflected.

While the flooding incident forced her to change residences, Gilbert has indicated that the overwhelming response on social media has been the most challenging aspect to navigate. After a lengthy hiatus from social media, where she previously took a break for mental health reasons, she found herself thrust into the spotlight unexpectedly. “I had just decided to get back on social media after years of a hiatus… and then have this crazy incident happen,” she recounted.

Initially, Gilbert struggled with the negative feedback accompanying her viral fame, sharing, “If I’m being honest, I cried every day looking at comments.” She emphasised the impact of social media interactions, urging others to remember the power of words and the potential for harm they can cause.

In addressing the misconceptions surrounding her pole dancing, Gilbert clarified that this activity is not her profession, nor is it solely sexual in nature. “This was something I was doing in the comfort of my home,” she explained. “I was appropriately dressed for a workout.” She acknowledged that while pole dancing is often viewed through a sexualised lens, it remains a challenging and demanding fitness activity.

With guidance from her Houston support group, Gilbert adopted a more positive outlook. “They advised me, ‘Hey, don’t look at these comments. These people don’t know you — no matter what you do, people are going to have something to say,’” she shared. By focusing on the supportive messages, which far outweighed the negative ones, she found relief and a renewed sense of purpose.

Many viewers reached out to express gratitude, explaining how Gilbert’s misadventure provided them with much-needed laughter and inspiration to reassess their own pole setups. As a result, they have begun repositioning their poles in safer locations to avoid similar accidents.

As for returning to pole dancing, Gilbert remains uncertain about her future practice at home. However, she expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of trying it out in a studio setting, indicating her passion for the art of movement. “I love the art of movement,” she shared. “I’m definitely open to doing pole dancing in a studio and learning more about the art, because it’s so beautiful to me.”

This incident not only highlights the unexpected repercussions of an innocent workout but also serves as a reminder of the importance of community support and personal resilience in times of uncertainty. As Gilbert continues to navigate her new reality, her story resonates with many, encapsulating the challenges and triumphs of modern life amidst the influence of social media.