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Lifeguards Fired Over Spoof Oppa Gangnam Style Video
Apparently a wandering TMZ reporters aren't the only ones who had the overwhelming urge recently to emulate the dance from Oppa Gangnam Style -- KTLA reports that thirteen lifeguards at an El Monte pool made a spoof video of the Korean pop song, and it led to their subsequent firing.
The guards, who worked for the El Monte Aquatic Center, claim that they made the short movie on their lunch break, but the city contends that they misused public property and time by wearing their uniforms and using the pool. One of the guards, identified only as Juliet, told KTLA that they never foresaw a problem.
"The video was made just to have fun memories before we go back to college," she said. "We didn't think it would offend anyone."
Another, Alexander Huerta, emailed NBC4, saying "I strongly believe that the termination … was unjust, over exaggerated, and could have been handled more effectively."
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For its part, the city claims that it's clear when lifeguards are hired that they aren't supposed to use the property for any personal reasons whatsoever.
The matter will be taken up at an upcoming city council meeting. Meanwhile, here's the offending video:
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