A disabled singer-songwriter has criticised a New Jersey restaurant after a birthday dessert was served with the words “Happy Birthday Wheelchair” written across the plate during a celebration with her loved ones.
Antonia Sinibaldi, 29, was celebrating her birthday with family and friends at Blu On The Hudson in Weehawken when she ordered a $16 cinnamon apple dessert. However, what was meant to be a special occasion quickly turned upsetting when she saw the message apparently referring to her disability.
Sinibaldi said the incident left her family angry and her friends even more upset, while she herself was left confused by what had happened. She also said she would not return to the restaurant following the incident.
The singer told NBC 4 News that her physical reaction came before she could process the situation, saying her body began shaking and spasming after she saw the message.
Sinibaldi has used a motorised wheelchair for most of her life after a drunk-driving accident left her paralysed from the neck down when she was just two years old.
She claimed she raised the matter with a restaurant manager but was not immediately given an apology. Instead, she alleged that staff offered her several complimentary drinks.
The restaurant has since apologised and explained that the word “wheelchair” was allegedly used internally to help staff identify where the birthday dessert and candle should be delivered. According to its statement, the notation was mistakenly transferred onto the dessert plate.
Blu On The Hudson said there was no intention to cause offence or disrespect, but acknowledged that seeing the word written on the plate could understandably be deeply hurtful.
The restaurant said it was “deeply saddened” by what happened and was reinforcing its ticketing and communication procedures to prevent a similar mistake from happening again.
It also said it had attempted to contact Sinibaldi directly to address the incident, but had not yet managed to reach her.
The incident sparked a strong reaction online after Sinibaldi shared her experience on social media, with followers describing the message as inappropriate and offensive.
Despite the restaurant’s explanation and subsequent attempts to apologise, Sinibaldi remains unhappy with what happened and has made it clear that she does not intend to return.
The incident has also highlighted how a seemingly simple internal note can become deeply personal when it involves a customer’s disability, particularly during what should have been a joyful family celebration.
