‘Read the room’ Mr Whippy slammed for selling ice creams during cyclone

The ice cream vendor has been slammed for “hustling” just hours away from Tropical Cyclone Alfred making landfall.

Mr Whippy is dividing Aussies by selling ice creams on a Queensland street as millions prepare for a cyclone.

In a video which has now exploded on TikTok, Shania Molloy from the Gold Coast criticised the ice cream vendor for being unable to “read the room”.

“Cyclone Alfred is just HOURS away and Mr Whippy is out here hustling,” she wrote on the video.

“Respect the grind, but also, READ THE ROOM.”

Ms Molloy wrote that she was “just a lil confused...” in the caption.

The video shows a Mr Whippy van driving down a suburban street amid rain and wind, playing the iconic tune which has brought children out to their front yards for decades.

A woman has criticised Mr Whippy for working through the lead up to Tropical Cyclone Alfred making landfall. Source: @shania.molloy/TikTok

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Many defended the van driver, and Mr Whippy for bringing joy and nostalgia to Australians for nearly 70 years.

“Why not? Everyone’s home. Might be a good time for some comfort food,” one user commented.

However, Ms Molloy said it was “strategic getting people when they’re vulnerable,” in a reply.

“Read the room? more like shuddup n take my money. I’m a single grown man child with adult money!! gimme one of EVERYTHING!!,” another user wrote.

“Read the room? Will not stand for me (sic) whippy slander..anytime is a good time for ice cream,” one user wrote.

Many people defended Mr Whippy and said they would be happy to be able to purchase some ice cream as many are stuck at home.

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Some drew parallels to bin collection, which has been paused in some areas due to the cyclone threat and extreme weather conditions.

“Meanwhile the bin man couldn’t even come,” the user commented.

“Don’t get me started I live with 6 people with one bin,” a commenter replied.

This comes as around 70,000 homes in both Queensland and New South Wales are without power, before Alfred even makes landfall.

news.com.au has reached out to Mr Whippy for comment.

This comes as the cyclone is set to make landfall on Saturday morning, with many houses already going without power.

Originally published as ‘Read the room’ Mr Whippy slammed for selling ice creams during cyclone