Black Customer Gets Accused Of Stealing His Own Jacket, So He Makes Them Regret It
First impressions are often wrong, and in this case, it was also humiliating. 29-year-old James Conley III has shared a series of videos, showing a West Des Moines Old Navy employee accusing him of stealing a jacket. “I was accused that I didn’t pay for my blue bubble jacket that I got for Christmas that I wore into the store,” he wrote.
Conley’s story has attracted the interest of the entire county, accumulating over 113K reactions and 150K shares on Facebook. The man plans to file a civil rights complaint and then a civil damages lawsuit. He claimed that the nationwide reaction to his Facebook post helped him realize how huge and widespread of an issue racial profiling is.
Scroll down to read what James and Old Navy itself have to say about the incident.
More info: Facebook
James Conley, a regular customer of Old Navy has just had a shopping experience he will probably never forget
Leaving the shop, James couldn’t believe what just happened
Soon after, Old Navy (owned by Gap Inc.) released a statement about the situation
Regardless, James plans to file a civil rights complaint and then a civil damages lawsuit. What’s your take on the incident? Let us know in the comments below!
So glad he recorded this nonsense and got the names as faces of those people. They're pathetic and he truly kept his cool through it all. An amazing reaction given the situation he was put in.
He was great! Keeping his composure the way he did, magnifies the absurdity of the situation.
Load More Replies...After 16 years of being in retail, all colors, genders and ages steal.
This is true, but young black males are profiled. There is absolutely no doubt about that.
Load More Replies...I am white and I am old. I have seen a lot of inappropriate behavior. I support his plan to sue and file. Don't most garments, including coats, have metal bits attached that set off an alarm when one tries to leave the store? Either wait until the child walks through the alarm or check the place on the coat where the metal thing is attached. And if it isn't there and there is no hole making it obvious the metal was torn out, then offer a major apology and a gift card. I've always understood that a person cannot be charged with shoplifting until leaving the store. Is that no longer true? Sorry this happened to you, young man.
As well, he was NOT OBSERVED taking the jacket, as he obviously didn't. That makes it a racially motivated hate crime.
Load More Replies...I bet every one of those employees believe they aren't racist. That's how insidious racism is. They probably aren't even aware that their behavior was racist. We must be willing to examine ourselves and look deeper- and be willing to look at uncomfortable truths.
Julia comment has so much truth to it. Racism goes both ways. My white friends have been accused of being racist, which they aren’t, not even remotely close. One of my girlfriends (blonde blue eyes southern bell) came crying to me after a client accused her of mistreating her for the color of her skin. This client embarrassed her boyfriend when she started ranting in front of other customers because it wasn’t true. No one is amune to racial profiling. I’ll catch myself profiling Muslims yet I haven’t meet one single Muslim I haven’t liked and that fits the description or profile that the news and media try to portray as terrible people. I’m brainwashed to have my guard up but have never had any life experience to give me any reason to. I think we all should try to be more self aware in this matter.
Load More Replies...They even looked guilty. What a crock of s**t. Glad they were fired, hope he gets paid a ton of money.
I di as well, i also hope others learn from this
Load More Replies...This type of thing should never happen. It's 2018 for crying out loud. I don't understand why or society continues to hold onto racism. We are the human race. The color of our skin is irrelevant.
It is relevant. We are not the same; we all have our unique culture. I, for one, as a Black person, have no desire to be lumped in with everyone else, thank you. But, we are all deserving of equal respect.
Load More Replies...Actually our son was accused of stealing a belt in a store when he was 16 years old. He had on shorts and a tank top, basketball Knicks clothing. When the mall cop made him pull up his top, of course no belt was on him. Then they saw his wallet, which was a gift from me for his birthday, and bought at the same store. They said he had lifted that it. I was called to the store, and they wanted me to sign a confession for him to make it all go away. I had the receipt still at home, so I drove 15 miles to home and back. The manager took his sweet time looking at the receipt, then said, OK, you can go. No apology, nothing. I was furious. Store was Steinbach's, now out of business. GOOD! By the way, we are just average white folks. Stores had better be sure before they accuse people, no matter what the age or color.
the sad truth of this is, if he didnt record this whole thing i bet old navy wouldn't have believed him and this would just be one more injustice in the world.
In the store I worked at (not an Old Navy) we had to see the customer take something from the shelves and then walk out of the store before accusing him of stealing. This is unacceptable. Glad he got their faces and glad they all got fired.
Exactly, there is so much wrong with the whole event here, it is undeniably racist profiling. The systemic level of it concerning. I seriously doubt that the company would have reacted so appropriately if there had been no proof.
Load More Replies...If you are as such big company as for example old navy, its hard to control and keep the level of professionalism same around the world. But what i do like is how they reacted afterwards. And as a reply to Hans, why to bother with police, when you can make it viral :)))))
I find your comment absurd it don't matter how big a corporation there is no excuse for not having proper customer ethics
Load More Replies...this is pathetic really picking on a guy because of his color i thought society was better than this. BUT NO we are just a bunch of racist egotistical maniacs
I don't know why you thought America was better than this. It's exactly like this.
Load More Replies...Why press the matter even though Old Navy handled it well? Exposure that this happens so often to those that want to deny it exists and ensure companies are motivated to have zero tolerance for employees that act this way and worse. My nursing supervisor was giving me a ride home after work and we stopped at well know drug store for ice cream. The sweet old white lady who so nicely served me hissed like a rabid raccoon at my boss, who is black, "We don't take food stamps!" I wish I could have recorded the incident because I've got called a liar after telling it. My supervisor took it all with an air of dignified disgust, she was used to it. I believe no one should have to get used to this. Time to make it no longer socially acceptable to do so.
I'm sorry that happened to your boss. Personally, I don't do "dignified disgust". I do, what is your full name? Where is the store manager? I will be calling the corporate offices in the morning and I won't stop complaining until you are fired. That's what I do. Granted, your boss probably has lower blood pressure...but I've got to be me.
Load More Replies...When my son was a baby I had to take him to the ER and had the cops called on me while i was waiting in the waiting room. Why? Because my son looked white while I am mixed with black and white. There was no apology they just left after they confirmed that I am in fact his mother. But we did not leave without my mother giving them an ear full, especially since she had to leave work to come and prove that her daughter wasnt kidnapping a baby. They listened to her because she is white but would not take my word for it, they thought I was lying and all the documents I had were fake.
I am so sad this has happened to you, it is such an abomination, it must have been a great trauma for your baby, you and all of your family.
Load More Replies...I'd pursue the lawsuit! This has to stop! When you have to prove that the jacket you wore into the store is bought and paid for, that becomes an infringement on your rights. What Old Navy was basically saying is: there's no way you can afford that jacket. Prove it's yours. I find it disgusting . Kudos to you James Conley III for standing up for yourself and keeping your cool and not getting angry...which most of us would probably have done.
actually, if that lawsuit goes to trial, James will probably loose. So far as I can tell, they did nothing to infringe on rights or civil liberties. They were stupid, yes. offensive, certainly. Further, it's been made clear this is not the policy of Gap Incorporated, by the fact that these moronic individuals are now terminated. On the other hand, James has an excellent opportunity to get an out-of-court settlement, which probably comes with a non-disclosure agreement keeping him from talking about it.
Load More Replies...Some years ago,we had a shop.Several other retailers warned us about high school kids and the need watch them constantly as they would steal,the second you turned your back....In all the time we were open,I never had a problem with high school kids stealing anything.....However, when it came to white middle aged "Soccer Mums", Wealthy older women (one aided by her middle aged son) & cashed up middle aged hipsters....We lost $$$$ worth of stuff...The only time we were ever robbed,it was by a "nice" family ! (Dad,Mum & teen daughter,2 to distract ,1 to empty the till).My husband realized what had happened & told them to hand back the cash and leave,which they did! The young man in the video absolutely did the right things ,remaining calm & in control & continuing to film ,kudos to the company for taking swift action and firing the offenders too.
I have gone into Old Navy here in Pennsylvania and wore my Old Navy close that I purchased a visit before, I have never been asked to have my clothing checked. For the store manager to act the way he did was very unprofessional and then you have the district manager that checked the video footage to she if this young man came into the store with the jacket on, she should have came out and say she was sorry (very unprofessional).
Since I worked in a retail store I can speak for both sides.If there had been any suspension that a store customer might try to shoplift items a store with a could security team would have caught it long before he would try to pay for it. Secondly most shoplifters do not wear the items they are trying to steal on them as they are checking out. This is not very common. This is a good example of poor training and a lack of customer service from the employees of Old Navy. You never project an unfriendly atmosphere and assume the customer is telling you the truth.
Oh, but they do try to steal things they wear. Going into the dressing room to ''try'' on clothing and then walking out the door with it on under a jacket, leaving the tags in the dressing room.
Load More Replies.....and after all that humiliation, (if I was in his shoes) I would also feel lucky. In case the manager called the police , for him videotaping, I bet ANYTHING the cops would shoot/taser first the black guy, then ask questions.
Old Navy is going to have to change their name to Old Confederacy
The reasoning behind filing the civil action is to create a precedent. Even if there is no monetary value to it. It is important that our standard court procedures continue, as this is the only way to ensure a healthy evolution of our justice system.
I think he should go through with the suit. That way, it gets put in the system and they can track how many times it happens.
It was plain wrong in the first place to assume the customer was stealing when they had NO prior evidence to give them any suspicions. Big mistake.
good luck with the suit james. i am so sorry you were treated so badly. i am english and i know racism goes on here too but i have only come across it once. i am ashamed to say i slapped the racist so hard he fell over, the mad he was insulting gave me a hug , said thanks, and said, that was almost worth putting up with racism for, then i got a kiss on my cheek. there is no excuse for it, none. in
people has to be involved! I remember when i was little, walking with my mother, then we saw a group of policemen controlling the ID and almost bullying a black kid, then my mum tells the policemen "do you want to see my ID too?". The cops were really embarrased then let the poor kid go. Little things can change a lot of things.
Load More Replies...That's ridiculous! To accuse him with obviously NO basis in fact!
It's racism, and the fact that they agreed they should have apologised on humanitarian ground dammit! Such a shame! My apologies to the great gentleman who took it in good spirit.
Wow...I'm so glad those employees got canned. So glad you got this on camera, and seriously, what BS that you aren't allowed to video tape. Good for you!!
that has NEVER happened to me and I'm latino. If a store EVER did that to me I would totally cause a scene lol. I can't believe that happened to him. I mean we all buy or get clothes and don't go into stores naked lol.
and now I see the beginning of a new campaign to protest old navy.
Load More Replies...I think if I were that young man, I would go back to that store to make sure they weren't just "blowing smoke", and that those particular employees were, indeed, fired...
Corporations only understand financial losses. Also, winning a suit will be a legal record of the company's racial profiling. So, the next time this happens -- and there will be a next time -- there will be a paper trail of this sort of behavior from Old Navy (Gap).
Load More Replies...Old Navy doesn't just profile by color. They also discriminate against overweight people too. I was shopping for my son and husband, but because I was overweight, the manager told me I wouldn't find anything in my size. Even pointed out that the clothes I had picked out, wouldn't fit me! I responded to her that I was buying them for my family. Since she and other employees were so ugly to me, I left without purchasing anything and to this day some 20 years later, I've never set foot in an Old Navy again. Never will.
They still need to be responsible for their employee's actions. I think This man should be compensated and their employee's educated
https://inhabitat.com/ecouterre/children-as-young-as-12-are-making-clothing-for-old-navy-in-bangladesh/ They not only encourage child labor and sweat shops but are also racist. More reasons not to go to a old navy store.
Jame was certainly right to video everything. Every person of color who experiences this kind of situation should record it from start to finish. Almost everyone has phones capable of this. IF it happens often enough, maybe a few thick-headed racists will begin to get the message.
the regional manager never comes back to apologize? thats insane. they totally deserve to be sued. also , old navy would have a lot more credibility if it posted a customer bill of rights kind of thing and the company mission statement publicly
Well done Mr. Conley for your presence of mind and your refusal to be bullied.
Besides being racist, the managers are complete POS's for not at least apologizing for their horrible behavior.
You carry on and sue - disgusting behaviour. When they realised they were wrong they should have apologized.
When they realised they were wrong they should have come and apoligised to you. I dont blame you for sueing them.
Sad in this day and age, we stillhave people who threat others with such disrespect.
Hope the manager lost his job didn't even make eye contact when he was leaving or apologies for inconvenience, so rude!
That's my nightmare. I feel like this is gonna happen every time I walk into Primark in UK because mostly almost all that I am wearing is from Primark and I shop there often so I have their current things on :D Luckily they are probably used to this. It's good that he recorded it and that it ended up like this. I felt a bit weird about him causing three people to lose their jobs but then again they were complete a******s and wouldn't even appologize. Hopefully they went away realizing that they absolutely can't behave like this.
The manager should have first never treated a customer this way . Second should have apologized to this customer . 100% fail .
You should have just walked out with the jacket on. If they tried to detain you at that point you would have a valid basis for a lawsuit as they obviously had no valid reason to think that you did not own the jacket.
yeah he should sue their a*s its not right just to racially judge him
I've never been one for frivolous lawsuits, but g..d..it! I hope this guy takes Old Navy to the cleaners!
The look on that young man's face is heart breaking. He's trying hard to be unaffected by what happened to him, but it is easy to see that he was deeply hurt by the experience. Many, many people will never know that feeling.
Old Navy is trying to do damage control but sadly doing damage control means you harmed someone. so the young gentleman should sure them and spread the word about this as far and wide as he can.
The treatment this gentleman received was outrageous!! He was owed an apology twice!!! SHAME ON OLD NAVY!!
I had that happen once with a ball cap I was wearing once at Spencer’s I had to show them the inside where It was clearly worn and they actually did apologize. I was embarrassed of being accused of shoplifting but then they had the decency of trying to make up for being wrong. Those people at Old Navy couldn’t have been more wrong in the way the store employees handled it.
I think Old Navy responded swiftly and justly. As for filing a damages suit - the only damages incurred are from his posting this on Facebook for the world to see. I think a formal complaint so it is on record is just but as I said, the corporation moved quickly and did the right thing. Perhaps they should do an additional training with employees about this.
Hey, I encountered a racist experience in Canada. Can you believe it? In Canada?!! I worked at a local tool store as a cashier. I had accidentally misplaced some cash and it had slid into the cashier desk. By the time I had to cash out, my supervisor had asked me to empty out my pockets!! I was shocked, and she even stormed out the office and accused me of stealing in front of several employees. The next day I had heard the HR lady and my supervisor laughing about it in the office!! So glad i was able to find a new and better job. One that isn't customer service related.
No, I think he did steal his own jacket. If he were white then the employees were wrong! Just kidding, but my real observation is why did he buy the cap anyway ? I would have told them to eat it and walk out after getting everyone's names. He did a good job documenting everything. Hope you win, you are doing the right thing.
It's just ol'e John again. I didn't read the whole story close enough. They were checking the cap too. He was checking hoodies not hats, I hope everything works out well for all of the parties involved.
Load More Replies...Sigh.. it's not always a BLACK thing. I'm white, and got followed to the back of a store by a wrinkled hag who went to ostensibly straighten up some merchandise- but I know what she was doing. It's insulting. Ive noticed this kind of stuff a lot more lately, and not just toward me, but to others as well. Either a lot more people are shoplifting, or shops don't care if they insult the customer.
This happens to just about everyone some time in their life. Being black has nothing to do with it, but turning it into a lawsuit and being butt-hurt over it happening in the first place is definitely a black thing... When it happens to to others, they typically just accept the apology from management and find that the employee who screwed up no longer works there the next time they return. On another note: If you really want to bring attention to yourself and claim profiling, acting shady will grab the attention of store security and have them watching you. Have fun, and happy litigation.
Do I think this young man was done wrong? I certainly do. Did the higher ups retaliate on his behalf? They sure did. Should he file the suit? He should most definitely. Will it do him any good? That will depend on the judge. The company is responsible for any infraction wrought by anyone under their employment and simply letting these individuals go and apologizing would be a matter of whether they did it because they feel they were wrong or because they were caught.
The best outcome is that the employees be sued for their violation of his civil rights. Old Navy may have deeper pockets but the employees were all pleased with themselves for breaking the law or they would have been more careful to avoid breaking the law and then, they failed to apologize. Looks very cut and dry. Hope they personally pay and pay dearly, publicly and loudly.
Load More Replies...This situation is just wrong but Racial profiling is not exclusive to any race. I am White, and I get my bags/receipt checked upon leaving Walmart every time I try to exit, even though my husband works there.
I have shopped at Walmarts in different states and never had my purchases checked.
Load More Replies...I often shop at stores I bought stuff in and not once have I ever been asked to remove it and have it scanned to ensure I had paid for it. If they make a genuine mistake, like a bag I am holding that is their brand, I just say "I bought this the other day" and it's all over apologies.But often I get constantly asked if I need help to the point where I say, "For the final time NO!" It makes shopping so unpleasant. Ask me once if I need help, but asking me 7 times in as many minutes just makes me leave. Priceline in Australia is notorious for it. Their male staff seriously ask me if I want help when I am looking at sanitary supplies? It is just annoying and confronting. Like what do they expect? "Yes can you tell me what size tampons I should buy?" Thing is constantly asking you if you want help is legal. I doubt these staff would have asked to scan the same jacket of a seemingly affluent white man. I am sure Old Navy will settle this one out of court. How could you fight it?
It is wrong that he's filing a suit. He got what he wanted and even had the owners terminated/file a post about it. I understand his frustrations, but isn't this a bit overboard? Racism is not ok. However, these were some ignorant people; not the whole darn company.
Not wrong at all. Its no accident that three people in one shop acted this way. A suit will make Old Navy think long and hard about their employee training and maybe be more careful about who they hire.
Load More Replies...Crows steal. If they steal and get caught, it's the white patriarchy leaving them no other option. If they are checked, and prevented from stealing, it's the white patriarchy oppressing them. F**k off, crows.
I have to wonder what would have happened had he only approached corporate with the videos and not posted them publicly.
WTF did they hope to accomplish by scanning his jacket? It's not like it has a serial number on it to prove that it was purchased. Okay - he's wearing your product. He's BUYING your product. Has Loss Prevention flagged him as behaving suspiciously? No? Then WHY THE FLIP are you publicly humiliating him by doing a pointless exercise?! Run the tape back, then be ready to get on your hands and knees to apologize to a customer you'll probably never get back...
i'm white and I've had this happen at a Gap store as well as an REI. So I'm not really that surprised.
Conley obviously won this one. He got three people fired and he got an apology. There is no reason other than greed for a lawsuit.
WOW; 2018, another great year for African Americans. As a Black British person I really can't understand why so many Black people want to emigrate to America. Racism seems to be getting worse under Trump and there's no universal healthcare. And we moan about Brexit. the people of the UK don't know how good we've got it!
This happened to me and I am white but that is not my point, train you staff properly! If you live near a mail and shop there at some point you will come back to that store wearing the clothes you bought in that mall. When this innocent man walks into the store and automatically told he stole the coat is totally outradious. They would not listen to him and continued to try and prove their point. I think these fools should be fired. I am very glad this was saved to video and will be passed around to thousands of people to see. We all have stories about very bad behavior by staff in stores. I think after seeing how you treated this nice man and how you handed it I will personally never shop in a Old Navy again.
I went to a shop in New York once and the saleswoman followed me around so closely (every step I took) that when I stopped walking she stumbled right into my back. Then she continued to follow me as if we were tethered until I left the store. It is an odd and disheartening thing to be considered a thief just because you exist.
How is this racial??? Never once in anything I saw, did the color of his skin or his race come up. Yes, I agree, this should not have happened. But you can't call racist on every single thing that happens in life.
No one should be that stupid to think they treated this guy this way because of any reason other than he was black. Like he said, they didn't treat white people the same way. Too bad you're not smart enough to know racism when it exists or are you simply pretending to be that stupid?
Load More Replies...Believe it or not, they do this to old white women too. It happened to my mom’s friend. She was so angry, she never shopped there again! Now that I’m older, I’m waiting for it to happen to me! And it won’t be pretty...
SOOOOOOOOOOO HAPPY they all their trump-a**-kissing selves were fired. This is the reality the current President has made!
racism was in power long b4 trump came to power. I think you should retract this idiotic statement.
Load More Replies...trollbait here - get your trollbait - back under the bridge wence you came...
Load More Replies...I hope you hired a good lawyer! ! Old Navy took action because they know what a good lawsuit you have . Good luck !
Back in 1979 I had just bought new Ethan Allen furniture and was looking for place mats when a coworker said try the new Dillard's store in Greens point! On my day off I went and dressed as usual for Houston Texas blue jeans very expensive cowboy boots and a western shirt. I am a female and at the time was 34 years old! I usually shopped at Foley's so that was my first stop! Nothing there so on to Dillard's. I was not in the store long when I noticed a big man with a crew cut following me! I was in the fine China department when a snooty older woman came over and said can I help you!! I knew then what was up this was a Yankee store/just moved to Houston!! I my best tx. Accent I said well bless your heart I do need help I'm looking for something for my new table and I just can't find what it want everything looks soooo cheap I guess I'll go down town to Kaplan Ben Hur where I bought my China!! Then I left! I found out later they had brought clerks from other stores to help!
The largest percentage of clothing theft from a store is from management, not customers. I also hope Old Navy gave James Conley a huge gift certificate--and like, ten of those coats in every colour of the rainbow.
From management? Really? I didn't know that. Well, you learn something new every day!
Load More Replies...I hear a lot of misguided people state that "prejudice" is over. HA! Watch this story and say that again with a straight face.
Racism and prejudice is obviously not over but this video is not proof of that. I see absolutely no proof of this being racially motivated.
Load More Replies...what is the bet it IS store policy and these 3 employees were thrown under the bus....otherwise,why would there be no follow-up?...it all seems very begrudging...he's probably got a point...I'm sure he'll get a shitload of vouchers.
you should have refused to remove the jacket for them to check it and then taken the clothes you were going to buy and tossed them back into the store and let them go find them to put them away.
So the company sacked the employees and rightly so. However James is going to file a civil rights lawsuit. Seems unfair on the company that they have acted swiftly and with integrity, yet are still to be pursued for what I assume is financial compensation.
I was followed out of a drugstore one time and made to empty my purse on the sidewalk - the clerk insisted I had stolen a bottle of nail polish (nope) because I had been looking at them for too long. I was 16, its what girls do.
Disgusted.....I'm white and I friggin hate white people sometimes.....makes me sick....and did they actually get fired??? I'd be going back to check the store regularly! They probably got moved to another area, idiots!
Spot on, the company might just transfer them somewhere else and none the wiser !
Load More Replies...I can't believe that the sale clerk, AND the manager, were too ignorant to even apologize!
Well with the indecent salaries paid in the states what do you hope to get as employees.
Load More Replies...They got fired so I would just let it go a personal apology is enough. Cashing in on stuff like this doesn’t solve the problem you become the problem
Did they actually apologise directly to him or just make a public presentation for a public statement?? Absolutely unacceptable!! Shame , shame!! Will not be shopping Old Navy anymore!!
Given that it's on the interwebtubes at the moment suggests that a lot of people are already being made aware.
Load More Replies...And retailers wonder why Amazon is taking their business. It's not just price, it's having to put up with their employees.
I like the way he kept positive,been in many arguments with stores and rude staff,never recorded though-I may just do that now though !!!
I think it was unacceptable however the company DID apologize for the actions of the employees and fired them. None the less, I also believe that reparations should have been made for the humiliating treatment by the employees, who were - at the time - representatives of the company, with at the very LEAST, merchandise credit for the treatment. Suing the company for civil rights violation seems overkill since the company DID follow through and made a public apology and terminated the offending employees. None the less, as a corporation, you are responsible for the behavior of your hired workers so should definitely make some reparations. Even if the man was not black, I have personally seen store clerks question customers because they thought they looked suspicious or didn't meet their criteria of "upstanding", when they had done nothing wrong. Whether the customer was black, white, Asian, dressed well or dressed poorly - their behavior was unacceptable.
He has every right to pursue this. They racially profiled him, treated him like a thief and when they realized they screwed up weren't even willing to apologize for their behavior. 15 years of retail experience and I'll tell you that one of the most prolific 'groups' of thieves are middle aged white women who justify their theft as 'I shop here all the time, they get so much money from me' and 'the store charges to much for this'. But we aren't going to see Old Navy treat them the way they treated this young man are we. Of course we aren't.
Dear James, I am very sorry that this happened to you. And I totally understand why you wat a measure of Old Navy’s skin in return. Dear Old Navy, I am somewhat gratified that you investigated and terminated the employees involved. How about instituting some sort of racial awareness education, a la Starbucks so this doesn’t happen again? Signed to both, Your “former” white customer
A sincere apology from the main office and a serious talk (and maybe termination of employment) with the employees of the store should suffice. S**t happens. Nobody got killed. Move on.
At this point he's just going for a money grab. He's already got three people fired which is perfectly reasonable but now he's going too far and acting like a big baby.
When they realized they made a mistake, they seriously should have been bending over backwards to make it up to him. A gift certificate could have possibly smoothed things over.
Old Navy are just covering their backs, when the real problem is INSTITUTIONAL RACISM FROM THE TOP.
Just another one looking for publicity and money. FFS, the employees were sacked!!! So now it is just about money and fame. Typical of our “Where there is blame, there is a claim” Makes me so mad.
See if you have enough of a case to SUE THEM INTO BANKRUPTCY!!!! I am a 43 year old white guy from the DEEP south that grew up hearing blacks called N----er and even I say SUE them!! Make them pay for it!!! He did a great job and remained cool the whole time!!
Revenge has been accomplished. The people involved were fired. The company owned up and spoke out to make the public aware and accept responsibility. What else will bw accomplished by a civil suit?
I don't think it was because you are black bro...it was because they are f*****g dumb... ;) Peace out brother ;) and screw the f*****s :D ...it was redicilious :D one time in one store they wanned me to pay for me bottle of water which i was bringing with me from another place...and allthough they don't sell the same brand of water...they still wanted me to pay...so i said OK ...tell me how much it is, mark it , come on? And when they couldn't they said it was ok...i didn't even get an apology but it's OK :D
they fired all 3, which is perfect. Going to court ? Thats to fill your pockets, the american dream
Why does everyone automatically assume he was pulled aside for his colour? Are we just all shouting 'racist' now every time something happens to a black person?
oops. As I was trying to say, The company apologized and remedied the situation by firing those involved. No lawsuit warranted or appropriate.
Load More Replies...i feel bad that it happened. once i was followed around a store, peeking at me down the isle, etc. i felt like they were thinking i was a thief. I felt bad too. I am a older white woman.
"Finally the District Manager [...] came out and I made her check the surveillance tape to prove that HER and her fellow employees were in the wrong for racially profiling me ..." How the hell can the District Manager be responsible of racially profiling him if she wasn't even there in the first place? If you want to throw accusations all around the place, try to actually be coherent. *smh*
He should sue, they should have personally contacted him and given him some sort of compensation
I hope he can get some compensation, I like the idea that you can sue them.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1309402759204501&id=367271796750940
Disgusting, he needs to take it all the way, that was terrible, I'm gobsmacked, I can't believe it. That company should pay pay pay for that.
Good on you. Glad the morons got fired. I would’ve called the police myself there and then. How stupid were these people 😡
Well James, you did a great job getting every thing recorded.....and you didn't even raise your voice. See them in court....hope your win large!
This is wrong in so many ways that I can't even count them all. I guess from now on, I'll put chap stick, gum, keys, etc. in my pockets so they can tell it's mine. I feel so bad for this young man and hope he sticks to 'em!
This man was guilty until proven innocent, if I'm correct that is the opposite of America's modo. Times are changing and so is the world. Sadly I feel like I can't trust the government of America anymore.
I hope they learned something from this experience. Disgusting.
Disgusting, so sad. I feel so bad that these type of things continue to happen, How would you feel to be treated in this way, the fact that he remained cool calm and collected was great. But then again if he behaved differently it would have played into their hands. I’d would of lost it, thank gooodness for cameras, Good they were fired.
I'm followed instantly when out shopping it bit here's me so much. He did the right thing catching all of their rubbish actions on film. Over the moon they all have the sack!
That's some BS! He deserves every dollar he gets! Yes, it's the fault of the terminated employees, but he was publicly humiliated and deserves compensation!
i'm white and had this happen before, not old navy, but still. i once was grabbed by in store undercover, taken in a back room, made to take my shoes off and drop my pants which the undercover was a woman to prove i didn't have anything stolen hidden and when nothing just told to leave and never come back??? s**t happens to everybody!
Good luck James. I hope you get compensated for the injustice they put you through. And bravo for being such a classy guy, keeping your cool and not stooping to their level. If you get any negative comments here, ignore them. They deserve not one second of your time.
I am sooooooo proud of you James Conley III....You definitely displayed great tact and character in an obviously racist situation. I am a mother of three young black men...(25, 22, & 14) And this angered me greatly! It was like watching one of them being purposely racially profiled as you stated. However, because of the way YOU handled it as a gentleman, staying calm and recording this unacceptable customer service, it forced the company to react quickly and firmly! Everyone deserves fair treatment regardless of race...I’ve taught this to my boys from young because of WHO they are and the professions they have chosen. Kudos! to you young man...You made your own family and those around the world smile 😃🙌🏼👊🏼😉 Peace & Blessings!
I have a hard time jumping to the conclusion they did that because of his race. But there is no doubt in my mind he was profiled for some reason and they ganged up on him because he was so calm and collected. There’s absolutely no way I would have been so chill and let them take my coat without the cops being called first. It would have made me fell violated in so many ways. I’m glad he’s not letting it go and hopes he gets compensated for being humiliated and treated so disrespectfully especially after they realize they were in the wrong. Just don’t know what’s wrong with people anymore. Makes me so sad for him.
Tweeted with this comment: @iammoshow WTF??? James´s been accused of stealing his own jacket??? #BlackLivesMatter , if he was white this surely wouldn´t have happened, I guess!!! 🤬🤬🤬And yes, where did they wanna scan the jacket at all without cash code??? THIS IS FU**ING SICK!!!
I would never have taken my coat off for them to "prove" It was up to them to prove it was theirs. I would have insisted that they call the police if they believe i stole it but never would i have taken it off.. Smug rat bastards.
It says 3 employees were fired, but there were 3 in the video & one in the background so it makes me wonder which of them got fired because thw district manager definitely should've been on that list.
The company ultimately did right by Mr. Conley but now that he is suing, this kinda cheapens the whole thing.
They took the appropriate steps and terminated the 3 employees. To follow up with a lawsuit against the store is inappropriate and morally wrong.
So why don't we have a conversation about how to fix the problems instead of automatically throwing ourselves into categories and figuring out who to blame? If the underlying attitudes aren't called into account then we will never be able to adjust our minds to form empathic viewpoints of one another. We can point out facts from past experiences and decades of mistreatment, but tell me how that is advancing the discussion? Accountability is something that must be demanded. Otherwise, we are doing nothing to show the next generation what must happen in order for us to "think" about each other differently in order to "treat" each other differently. You can tell someone how to act all day long but if you do not build a foundation of thought then you have failed before you start.
I just can't believe they accused him of stealing a jacket for no other reason than that he was Black.
They don't mess around at Old Navy - three staff terminated. I am going to assume that this means they were fired as opposed to killed. Glad that the company took this seriously and bravo to James.
The manager lady should have apologised. Maybe her horse was so high she couldn't ascend.
Messed up but the hold thing about it they wouldn't do it to there own and there own would be the one takening it
Glad they were fired, usually they just "get retrained" or some b******t!
I do hope the Store Manager was one of those terminated.His dismissive attitude was very rude,very unacceptable.
I would Sue them ,and call NAACP.. that's a disgrace . He was calm about it.i would have been arrested! What about his jeans ? His shirt? If he frequents Old Navÿ I'm sure he has other clothes from there.. wants a f****d up experience ,Boycott Old Navy
Given the apology and actions taken of firing the three employees involved, I would hope the lawsuits don’t go forward. The company did the right thing.
They lost their jobs over the cost of a jacket. How dumb of the employees.
I'm very gratified to hear that the store terminated the employees. I hope that their epic failure to be professional follows their career. I'd like to see The Gap step up a bit further but I honestly don't know what that would look like.
I think that young man is a true gentleman with class and great wisdom. Good job parents!!
My other comments notwithstanding, I don't think this young man should file a Civil Rights Violation case against Old Navy OR file a lawsuit for any monetary assessment against O.N., but that's just me. O.N. made right by apologizing to this young Man and terminating those who were involved in this matter, so if the OP pursues it any further it just goes to show greed in HIS part since he didn't "suffer" anything more than some inconvenience and aggravation by the incident. Had the employees involved come clean and apologizing PROFUSELY after ADMITTING their mistakes, given time off without pay and re-training would have been an appropriate disciplinary action, providing this was an isolated incident for each of them. However, IF this had happened before, then termination would have been appropriate. But civil suits and a lawsuit? Greed and egregious on the customers part if he goes through with either of them. Just my $0.02 on the subject.
I'm sorry this happened to you sir. 1st thing I would have done is ask to see the video at the entrance to see me walk in, Although I agree they were in the wrong 100% not sure they stereotyped but I dislike Old Navy anyway I think all their employees act like they are too good for anyone. I am glad they were all fired.
If the company terminated the employees after finding out, don't file charges against the company. That's just petty and stupid. F**k the fired employees over even further.
They deserved to be fired! There are federal laws about situations like the one above! Old Navy is probably going to be paying out a lot of money once he sues!
Were the 3 employees REALLY fired, or are they jusy trying to save face? I think all 3 should be in jail....
Sue their f&*king azz off. The only way to change these aholes is to make them pay. And the people who were terminated, sue them also since they were the actual perps. Make sure them names and photos are published like sex offenders are exposed to the public. Make these racist POS imbeciles pay in every possible way.
I'm from Iowa and I find that attitude and treatment of Mr. Conley unacceptable and embarrassing. I don't blame him in the least for filing a civil rights complaint and lawsuit. I wish him success with that. Does Moines is a HUGE college town. They treat the students better there than the people who live there year round. I wouldn't live there if you paid me.
James honey, you were right to call them out. In any case, the quality of Old Navy clothes is terrible. You deserve better!
I hope he wins his suit against them. Regardless of the store following up after the matter, this went all the way up to a 2nd manager on duty, and all of them should have been trained NEVER to treat a customer this way. Unbelievable. Wait... actually, it's not unbelievable. It's just incredibly sad and disgusting.
He did great! What bullcrap that they accused you! Take it to the end game! Glad those finks got fired!
If you think someone is stealing just let them leave so you can keep your job.
WTF! If I walked in a store and was accused of stealing their blue jacket I'd got for Christmas, I'd be furious, too. He seems like a really nice guy. So glad he filmed this, because you have to see it to believe it. Had they been paying closer attention to this customer and offering him service when he entered the store, they would have known he had walked in wearing it. Not good enough to notice when he walked in, but good enough to notice when he came to pay for something. S**t staff simply because of that - and more so because of their own lack of observation and taking the lazy way out to scan jackets they sell instead of being alert. With the 3 they hired, they need one on the door at all times to avoid stupidity like this in the future as it would be cheaper than all the black customers' business they have forever lost as a result. He did so well. I would have gone off my head! They were hardly appealing staff regardless - unfriendly and unsmiling and belligerent.
Oh - they weren't being RACIST - no - they thought you PERSONALLY were "looking like a criminal". No RACIAL profiling involved at all, see?
The “We’re Hiring” sign adds that extra touch. I’m glad they lost their jobs.
Very respectful and calm through it all. That is a damn shame that this still happens.
Grow up! It happens all the time to whites too. I used to work for a chain of retail stores and for better or for worse everyone of all colors at one time or another was profiled...usually it was teenager kids (again of all colors, shapes, and economic backgrounds)...you have to ask was this guy doing anything to stand out and make people take notice? Surely a company as liberal as Old Navy wouldn't just start profiling this black man because he walked into the store...his actions garnered some attention in his direction
that's so racist. but at least they apologized after the incident and fired those involved.Everyone deserves to be treated equally .It's the 21st century for heavens sake
That sucks!!!! At least after noticing that they had made a mistake they should have apologized :-(
Bless him what an awful and degrading thing to happen to a lovely young man, so glad they were all fired they are a bloody disgrace. Much love and hugs 🤗 to you James and how dignified you were during this absolute service you recieved xxx
James is to be commended for his handling of the situation which easily could have gotten out of hand. Compliments to Old Navy also for taking the matter seriously and terminating those 3 employees. It's just a sad fact that so much bigotry and suspicion still exists between us. Would that we could all just be kind to each other.
I wonder what kind of agitation make people become racist. It is like a phobia? What advantage to be racist? I never experiences this kind of hatred but I could see it from black people turned over me as I am white. I think we should all pass over the past, people in front of us are not guilty for our traumas or ancestors traumas in the past. Lets just give the chance to hope and tolerance
I think that I would go back to the store to see if the offending employees have really been fired.
You can tell from James' tone of voice how hurt he was when the store personnel impugned his honor for no good reason whatsoever. I think Old Navy better come forth with more than firing the perpetrators and apologizing. They need to do something positive to repair the breech. If I cannot even wear clothing bought at a store to the store, then I am not going to be shopping there. Ever.
I just wondering if anyone checked to see if they really fired the 3 employees? I would Sue also. He has proof!
Same c**p, different day in Black America. I've been wearing mink coats and carrying Gucci bags and been profiled by minimum-wage, security guards who followed Me around stores including Norma Kamali (I was there to BUY My maid of honor's gown for My wedding), Bonwit Teller, and Sachs Fifth Avenue in Manhattan - NYC. The ignorance of racists knows no bounds - hence your president - and certainly no decency because they actually believe that they don't have anything to apologize for. Now, when I encounter such insidious behavior, I loudly command them to carry My bags if they are going to follow Me around the store. I am SO happy We live in the age of technology where We can PROVE the monsters' offenses. Old Navy is not stupid. Firing those employees will save their butts publicly, monetarily, and legally.
He should file a lawsuit, I have had a similar experience, when I was just 18 and on a first date. It was humiliating and I can understand his emotions. Definitely make them pay for it!!
I SAW 2 EMPLOYEES, THE MANAGER AND ABOVE WHO DESERVED TO BE FIRED THE CLERK WAS JUST DOING WHAT SHE WAS TOLD, BUT THEY WERE VISABLY UPSET THEY LOST THE CHALLENGE, ACCUSING PEOPLE WITHOUT JUST CAUSE IS NOT A GAME. SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE MANAGER AND ANYONE ABOVE WHO PUSHED IT THIS FAR AND THEN DID NOT APOLOGIZE AND OFFER SOMETHING. NOW IT'LL COST EM.
Wow, how could he stay so calm?! I'm livid and don't even know this guy.! How ignorant are they?!!! I surely hope they were fired and that they are sued for millions. I will NEVER go into another old Navy .!!
James handled the situation very well. I would have came unglued if I had witnessed this. Unbelievable. I’m glad that the people involved were fired and that the company apologized.
Mr. Conley was absolutely right, and the store employees were absolutely wrong. That manager behind the counter KNEW he had done something wrong because he not only didn't offer an apology, but he didn't have the courage to even look at Conley. While it is a good sign that all three were fired, the company failed because it didn't train those employees properly in the first place. If it was just one employee, it would be a little less bad, but three? Sue the company! A nice, public lawsuit will be a warning to ALL companies that even passively allow this type of profiling.
That is pathetic, to not even apologize? I would have offered James a gift voucher for his inconvenience, could have saved them millions in the long run. Well done James for handling the situation with dignity and not getting angry. Don't get angry-get even.
That really is pathetic, to not even apologize? I would have offered him a gift voucher as well, could have saved them millions in the long run. Well done to James for handling the situation with dignity and not getting angry, don't get angry-get even.
I'm glad James videoed the event. That is so shabby, and they never apologized. What asses! Sadly this is not a surprise in the current political climate. I'm glad they got fired.
I'm glad that James videoed this event. It was incredibly shabby that none of the employees apologized for treating him that way, for obviously profiling him. And I'm glad they got fired. Sadly, this behavior is more common these days with the current political climate.
When will this kind of nonsense stop - and saying that all kinds of people steal is never an excuse. Do we all need to carry receipts for what we wear? I think not and neither should people of colour be treated any different to anyone else. This gentleman should indeed take action to enforce the important civil rights lesson here and if he chooses to sue for the embarrassment suffered, that is also his right. Retailers - wake up and smell the coffee! Figure out a better way to do business. Is not the standard of proof of theft that an observer must see the actual deed and that the person must leave the store to prove intent even then?
Firing should have started at the top and worked their way down. Maybe before accusing him, you should have checked your damn surveillance tape to check whether you were f*****g wrong. BEFORE ACCUSING HIM!!!!
What a load of crock. Scanning to see if it was stolen. Man do not shop at Old Navy.
Couldn't she have seen by how worn the tag was in the jacket, she could barely read the numbers that showed it wasn't new!
Filing lawsuits will only serve to raise prices at all the stores. The three employees were terminated. That should be sufficient.
Old Navy says they fired the 3 involved not sure if I believe them. They could have just been transferred. I work in retail and I know this happens. Also you can't scan an item to see if it's been paid for they were just BS. When you scan it, it will just tell you the price. All of this is a joke the store I work for would rather you walk out with something you may have stolen rather than lose your business. These people are idiots.
She wouldn't give up even after she tried to look at the tag and she couldn't tell by how worn the numbers are on the tag that it wasn't a new jacket?
There's no way to say if a White or Asian or Mexican, etc., walked in with the same jacket on, that they were not treated/accused the same way. I don't like when the "race card" is always played in circumstances like this. Yes, they store employees were wrong in every way, but was it motivated by his color? I would like to think NOT, but more so from stupidity on their part. I feel sorry for the guy to go through that, but he was taking it pretty well, laughing about it and all. Most would be fired up, and not so happy about being treated that way. Anyway, I'm glad the employees were terminated, because that was SO wrong, and SO unprofessional to do to ANYBODY!!!
A young black man who had purchased a shirt at Eddie Bauer and wore it the next day -- went back to the store to do more shopping. They asked him for a receipt and when he did not have one (it was HOME) they made him take off his shirt and leave the store -- he had to go HOME and get the receipt!! He sued- and won to the tune of 6 million dollars.
I don;t know how he kept his cool thru all that especially that arrogant douchebag "manager". Hope he gets rich off his lawsuit.
Firing isn't enough. They should be sued individually. Hit them where their money is so it'll affect them at the core. Their faces on billboards in their hometown. In other words let them experience the things that you do as a black man in a white world. If they had done that to my husband they would be hurting.. and make sure it was something I never forgot. It makes me so mad that people like that in our world still exist.
Sorry. Too little, too late. If they did this to James Conley III, you know many others have been profiled and treated badly. It's far past time this sort of thing ends. the color of one's skin has no bearing on anything! I believe a lawsuit should be filed. Not shopping at the Gap or Old Navy again.
Conley obviously won this one. He got three people fired and he got an apology. There is no reason for a lawsuit other than greed.
That was just plain WRONG. I go to Old Navy often and I am often wearing Old Navy clothing in the store and have NEVER been detained or even asked about it. I am sure this was racial profiling. I hope they all got fired! BTW, I am a white female. More proof that it was profiling.
It's a sad fact that profiling is done, because ... watch your local news. Sometimes a negative stereotype has deep roots. This never should have happened, but I'm pretty certain there's reason for their behavior. How many people did try to walk out with items they didn't pay for? I was in retail for a number of years, and stores in different parts of a community have a greater chance of theft. And that is not racial profiling. If this young man was decent, he wouldn't take this to the extreme. But that's our society today - guilt 'em till they pay the f' up. This is going to get me banned ... but that is my opinion.
You go James. To court if you must. Damages and more damages. Creeps.
I think all those responsible for their reprehensible behavior should publically apologize to that young man. He was targeted because he was black. How dare they assume in this day and age that they can classify someone for his color. I applaud his behavior, as it must have been very difficult to keep his composure.
Well, I am one white woman who will never shop at an Old Navy ever again. I marched in the Civil Rights movements in the 1960's and still fight for Civil Rights.
White Redneck here. They treat me poorly as well. I'm just white trash to them. I never shop at Old Navy anymore. You ain't alone bro.
James southerly right! They racially profiled him! Then, they didn’t even have the grace or sense of decency, to apologize to him!! I will never shop at old navy.. ever. I can just bet it has happened before, somewhere else,too. I hope he files, a lawsuit,and I reverently hope, he wins! He deserves to! More people need to file charges when this happens! It’s a violation of his civil, and human rights!
How about a nice pole of money to make you feel better? That would be a lot easier than a lawsuit. Maybe 20 Grand?.
SHAME on those Old Navy employees! Like something out of the Old South.
Corporate handled the manner quickly and publicly. I don't think a Civil lawsuit is warranted. At most, maybe Old Navy should look at how new employees are trained to make sure this doesn't happen again, but I don't think a lawsuit is necessary. Had Old Navy made excuses or left the people employed then yes calling them out with a Civil lawsuit would be appropriate.
Unless I saw him take it I wouldn't say anything...a minimum wage job is not worth that effort...Also they would not be able to tell if he bought the coat by typing in a number on the inside of the coat. It's old navy they get hundreds of items of stock in a week. There is no way they would enter them all in individually into the system. It doesn't work that way. They were just thinking he would cave and confess
Very disappointed in Old Navy. I like their products but won’t be shopping there again.
How sad, I am glad they were fired...they should not get hired anywhere else...
And I don't think it matters if he is black, red or white. I am totally white, and I also have happened to be in a similar situation (wrongly treated as a thief). I think you put to much emphasis on skin colour. There are many reasons (not only racism) that people act one way or another.
I thought that store manager was very rude he wouldn't even look at him. I think he has a case and he should go for it. I do not like Old Navy and will not shop there.
It is wrong for the salesman to accuse someone of stealing without any prove. And it is very wrong to not apologize later. So, deservedly, they lost their jobs. However, who of us doesn't commit a mistake here and there? So do you really think these people deserve to be publicly exposed and condemned forever? Because what is posted on the internet stays on the internet. Forever. So, in my opinion, these salesperson were wrong, but what the client did was way, way worse. No reason to congratulate.
The company did a good job with their actions so why a law suit? Just cause you can doesn’t mean you should, old navy took reasonable action in my opinion.
I think they were just checking if he did steal it, if it was a white female I hope they would have done the same thing. If not then they were 100% racist
I would have flat out refused to remove the jacket and walked out the door.
This s**t has been going on forever, but now these disgusting pigs feel emboldened to just flat out be racsists because super creeps who we’ve somehow elected have mainstreamed the lowest rascist trash. Sue the f**k out if them.
i hope he starts a gofund me to pay for a lawyer to sue the f**k out of "old navy"
thats called raising generations of racists. these white people have been conditioned since childhood to fear and be wary towards black or other minorities. i see this all time in a white community as an Asian guy. i see you side-eyeing me with your privilege b******t.
Mr. Conley should file a discrimination suit! Especially even after seeing that the customer is innocent the management did not apologize . Such an insult in front of other customers is way too much to bear for a non-guilty person.
Deplorable. I worked retail security for years and this across the board is against every policy. Sue away sir. I would be too. This is b******t.
I am utterly astonished at the ignorance in these posts. This man had a terrible thing happen PERIOD. No matter what the skin color. EVERYONE deserves the benefit of the doubt. Old Navy should be having these people apologize to him first to his face, then they get the axe. This gentlemen had amazing composure, if that were me in his place, i'd probable have climbed over the counter and probably gone to jail for a different reason instead of shoplifting. And to make him pay for the garment and to watch the tape and not even offer an apology. Well. This guy won't be shopping there anymore.
How would any of us feel if this happened to us. Good for Me. Conley for taking them to court. Glad the mgrs and clerk were fired at least. Glad the store apologized albeit after the fact. But this happens to black people all the time. Outrageous. How embarrassing and annoying for this young man.
So ridiculous, being a fan of Old Navy for years and wearing their clothes..I guess we should Not wear Old Navy clothes when shopping at Old Navy. This should have not happened and so unfair how they treated this poor customer. I am so glad he told them to watch the video of him entering the store with the blue jacket- I hope the manager stomach got sick when she saw that and realized how wrong they were and how badly they treated this Old Navy Customer.
Legally they are not allowed to stop you for the store. ALso someone has to have actually seen you take the merchandise, and since you were still in the store they had no right. I hope you use their butts off. False accusations, harassment, illegal search and holding. Good luck.
I would never have taken that jacket off. I would have insisted they prove I stole it. And I would have done just like he did, and recorded it.
That is not racism as you don't know if she did it with somebody else or not. The racism card is getting too stupid right now.
100% profiling.... ignorant white trash...... don't worry though they will be out of jobs in the next year or so..... old navy is old and is going to go bankrupt.... cheap products...
Yep--looks like racial profiling for sure!! What do we expect with a president who encourages racism. Its like a disease--it spreads from the top down. Very sad. Our country needs to progress, not fall back another hundred years -----
GOOD!!!! -- i hope he takes them all to the cleaners-- no one should be treated that way -- Damm a*s holes
Super awesome this guy didn't just let them walk all over him, and took a stand for himself and everyone else being profiled like this. 'Terminating' sounds a tad extreme, though…couldn't they have just said 'fired'?
If the store had a floor walker, i.e., security on the floor, said employee should have been able to verify his story. Security cameras are good, but a trained floor walker is a useful addition, being closer to the action, so to speak.
I hope you win and then use your winnings to buy a coffee from them at the McDonald's they're working at.
This unfortunate situation was caught on tape. Pity that many others like this weren't addressed given the store's "policy" regarding scanning incoming Old Navy clothing. BTW, it seems more likely that people who like and wear Old Navy brand are going to be shopping there. If you need theft protection, hire trained professionals.......don't rely on personnel who aren't properly trained in your mission and policies.
The worst part is that they didn't apologize, they should be ashamed but if they are not that only means that's a common practice!
Anyone should be pissed about being treated like that. Thing is... there is no proof any of this had to do with him being black. We should absolutely punish racism but it should not be as simple as saying "racism". Doing that will just dilute real racism events and make people less likely to respond.
I totally agree with James. Glad the store stepped up and took action. I am sorry for his experience.
How is it that a barely above minimum wage employee has such a huge sense of entitlement? I'm glad these employees were fired. And when the are interviewed by another company, let's see how they answer "and why did you leave your last job?"
I feel so bad for him, and I'm so sorry he had that experience. God Bless You For being cool headed, ( I would have gone off on them if in your shoes!) and exposing them!
My old biker boyfriend, 6'4", bald and tough looking (a teacher for special kids in L.A. with a history of violence- he lost one or two kids every semester) was accused of robbing a jewelry store the night before by the owner of the store. It was the first time he'd been in that store. Oh yeah, and he is white!
James, I am so sorry this happened to you!!! I am a middle aged Hispanic woman and had a similar incident happen to me almost 30 years ago in downtown Chicago and all of the emotions I was feeling at that time still anger me to this very day!! I wish I could say that I handled it as diplomatically as you did. I commend you on being the bigger person in every way!! God Bless and fight the fight!! They should not be able to get away with this and I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER THING FROM OLD NAVY!!!!!
the man was highly mistreated and embarrassed for no reason whatsoever because of the color of his skin. If the rag tag employees had of greeted him as a customer they would have noticed what the young man was wearing. Glad they lost their jobs and hope he gets paid for their foolishness. Probably not their first time pulling this kind of stunts. I don't know how I would have reacted!!!
Powerful story and presentation James Conley III. So sad that you had to go through this. There are too many cases of discrimination against black people all over the world. Gad, there's too much discrimination. Good luck. but if the company fired the offending staff and presented you with a public apology, then address the offenders and not the company....even though the company has more money. It's not about money is it? It's about encouraging education and creating opportuities for all! Start a fund, for this m aybe.....
Shame on them. He could not even look at that young man and apologize for their stupidity. Shame on them. I am glad old navy terminated them cause I was just about to stop purchasing from them. Young man good for you for keeping your cool and standing up for your rights.
So they think it's ok to demand on customers to undress in front of them?! As a teen I was working in similar shop during the summer and we were told by the managers that we have to profiling Roma people, keep an eye on them and following them through the shop and when we were hiring, we supposed to throw away the CVs of Roma people ... it was disgusting and when I complain to CEOs of the whole brand, they answer that its alright, cause "gypsies steals" ... So I left. :/
If the clothing has been paid for then the security tags would have been removed upon purchase. At most stores the alarms will go off if security tags have no been removed. This particular store should check their security systems. This is bad store management and they should fix it to prevent further embarrassment for all parties concerned.
He needs to set them as an example of what won’t be tolerated! It doesn’t matter if these 3 employees were fired. That does not excuse the fact that this man was accused of stealing based off the fact he was black!! I hope he does sue, because until you hit them where it hurts (pockets) it’ll just be another random incident. 😩😡
When I was a teen, my mates and I went Christmas Shopping. We were a mix of different races. One of my mates, who happened to be Muslim was stopped for checking. Se had bought a makeup set from that store half an hour ago and we also bought something from that store. They checked my bag and said 'ok' but they made my friend stay and she had to prove she bought the makeup set. We were just standing watching her panic because she had lost the receipt and hoping she didn't have to pay again. Sure, many might say it's because we were teens and it was Christmas time but to check my bag and say 'ok' but tell the other one to prove something is ridiculous
It doesn't matter if the employees apologized for racial profiling. If they did apologize and it were accepted it would only reinforce the misconception that an accepted apology is a "get out of jail free card" Terminating employment is the only real way to get it in the former employees heads that they cant do that.
well I think that woman looks like a pig and the guy looks like my pet shih tzu, apologies to the pig and to my pet
If they had of looked at the security tapes first they would have seen him walk in wearing the coat. He was so calm and well behaved in a really nasty situation. Good on him. Glad they got sacked for being rude and racist. Good luck in court. These examples require action so this behaviour stops. We are all HUMAN. Skin colour is irrelevant
James i am so sorry you have to go through this all the time. I am white gay woman. so i know that what i know about prejudice is minuscule compared to what you know. ( sorry that is a bad sentence but i don't know how else to say it ) - i can hide the gay part. You cannot hide your skin. It takes real courage to protest this s**t. It is exhausting to continually fight this damn s**t that our culture should be over already. I really, really hope stuff gets better for you.
They would never apologize if they were sure this incident could be sunk in impunity. They are trying to make ammends and giving the boot to their employees to save their own corporative as* . Not that the "welcome environment" mumbo jumbo really means something to them. So glad for cameras on cellphones and public opinion. Power for people!!!
Typical racist attitude. Black people never have money we just steal everything we want. The apology submitted after the issue is ridiculous. What even gave them the right to question something he was wearing without proof of it being taken? A civil suit should be filed and I hope he wins.
At what point did they mention that they were treating him that way because he was black?
No one should be that stupid to present such a moronic view but here you are to prove someone is exactly that stupid. He said they didn't check the other non blacks with the same coat. Too much for you to comprehend? Have an adult explain it to you.
Load More Replies...Disappointing world... :'( Racism should be left in the past. I mean, it's 2018! :O
Omg. Wow. Reminds me of similar stuff I saw at my Old Navy. They totally profile people. I never went back after I witnessed less happen to someone else. And was uncomfortable looking at clothes cause they wouldn't stop dogging me until I skittered to the children's section. I took my grandma's Christmas gift money and went to Hot Topic from that day forward. Got a bunch more stuff for the same amount too.
Old Navy did what they should have done. They fired the employees in question, who in fact, should never have been hired. He shouldn't sue. Had ON not fired the employees, then yes. They did. Let it go.
I think James was a true gentleman the way he handled the situation. I’m sure it was very degrading for him and not one apology from those three. Deplorable! I think the only way to stop this blatant racism is a civil lawsuit.
I think it happens more often than reported, to every race, committed by every race. Everyone needs to stop the hate. https://www.opposingviews.com/i/social/these-two-fast-food-employees-looked-customer-right-eye-and-called-him-white-boy-they-didnt?utm_source=swn&utm_medium=facebook
All I know we are in the 21st century then why do some people in your country still are recist when in fact the former US Pres Obama is the first black American who served you people who were UNFAIR TO THIS YOUNG MAN. iN THE EYES OF GOD the three of you got your KARMA. Getting another job is SCARSE SO BETTER BE GOOD NXT TIME....
I'm glad Old Navy took the correct stance by publicly addressing the issue and firing the culpable employees but someone, somewhere did not do a thorough enough job of making sure that employees understand their (presumed) corporate values. As they often do, a law suit (whether it involves a payout or not) will sting enough so that Old Navy / The Gap will make damned sure this never happens again. It never should have in the first place.
sue the s**t out of them.....maybe next time these stores will think twice
I'm glad to hear the offensive employees have had their employment terminated however I am at a loss to understand what sort of damages the young man suffered that would require monetary compensation.
At first I thought why bother suing I'd be satisfied with the 3 employees getting the sack but then another person's comment on here made a very good point about if the fella hadn't recorded what had just happened Old Navy probably wouldn't of believed him either so yep Sue them for the harassment & defermation they put on him...
Unbelievable the attitudes of those employees. Glad they were fired, but I think he should go ahead and file his complaints. There should be no tolerance for this behavior in this day anywhere and people need to start paying and not just apologizing. Take a stand.
Well, it kind of makes you afraid to wear clothing you bought in that store or any store for that matter. That had to be embarrassing for him or anyone with him. I can't believe they checked the jacket and still wanted him to pay for it. I know the said they fired the ones involved but the harm is already done.
Identity politics again. All black people are good, all white people are racist etc. Wouldn't have been a story had the races been reversed.
So true Paul, it's the racist Old Navy ex-employees that are the true victims in all of this.
Load More Replies...Old Navy should give him a lifetime of free shopping! This is unconscionable!
I would love to see the video of the 3 or 4 hours before Mr. Conely came through to see if they asked ANYONE ELSE if they could check their tags! That would be very interesting, don't 'ya think? Hmmmm? LOL
So disrespectful to this young man. Being accused of theft without any reason other than he was wearing the store brand of coat. The store should be thankful someone is wearing their product and about to buy more. This was profiling, racism without a doubt and firing staff isn't enough. Three people working all with the same attitude to me means this company has issues at a higher level and a lawsuit might shake the tree. Disgusting and degrading !!
Old Navy has never been my favorite store but the fact that the manager wouldn’t even look at this young man or admit he was wrong was deplorable for any service industry. We pay your paycheck dumbshit, and pretty much anyone could be a manager there after 6 months so stop thinking you’re all that. Just because racism is the new norm doesn’t mean you have to conform and become one!
I can't believe that the manager couldn't even look at him and say he is sorry at the end. Disgusting and so wrong on so many levels. Sometimes I really have such a hard time accepting what I hear and see, my brain just refuses to believe that people like this exist, so sad.
I am curious what the argument was to repay the jacket, then they must have seen it was sold..."Yes sir can you please pay again for the jacket? yes sir we are greedy AF"
This is absolutely disgusting. Good lad for documenting what was happening. I'm really glad those c**ts were sacked. Vile creatures.
This happened to me at a store back in 1979 I had a credit card with them they grabbed me and my friend had us in the back room i wanted to call my mom to bring the receipt they wouldn't let me call her after an hour of interrogations in back rm they finally realized they didn't carry anything like my coat they never apologized so what I should have done was contacted a lawyer but being 20 yrs old I didn't know but the next day I went in with my credit card from their store cut it up in front of them and let everyone in store know what they did to me
racist whites never learn...Old Navy should have done more than just firing their racist asses...compensation for having his human rights violated...I really do hope he does file suit...no one deserves this kind of vile treatment.
The behaviour of those salespeople is despicable! And telling on them the right thing to do. I sometimes just wish, that people would give other people the chance to think about what they did, before posting their pictures and names on the internet. Maybe beeing fired will actually help them to think already, without being publicly shamed forever
The scanning part confuses me. Did they scan an identical coat and check inventory? Did he walk into a store with a tag still on his coat and they scanned *that* tag? I just don't see how scanning something would confirm that he purchased it or not unless it's something like the stickers they put on cosmetics in large dept stores like Dillard's to show it has been paid for.
Too little, too late Old Navy! My hope is that James gets his day in court. Thank goodness for smart phones! So glad we stopped shopping there!
i wouldn't have bought the stuff or I would have returned it before leaving the store and not spent one cent i there .no way would i have spent 1 penny there after this.
And those bitches ( yes including the manager ) being so rude, indignant, and self righteous little c*nts about the whole thing.. Lets make their faces go viral as hell..
That sucks man!!! First of all, you have a righteous last name so that is the first mistake they made. Second of all, you are right there PAYING for your merchandise so why would you steal a jacket?? I think you should take them to task and demand an apology!! Since when do we have to prove that the clothing we wore IN to the store is paid for? I would never shop there again and would tell all my friends and family to not shop there either.
Go for it!!! They deserve it... upper stiff lip is not a response get them to assume and suffer where is more painful THE POCKET...
Shouldn't and doesn't matter what colour this guy is they disrespected him in public I'm glad they were dismissed in the end but it shouldn't of happened in the first placed and they didn't even apologise to the guy Take them for every single thing you can get it's all they understand hit them the only place it will hurt in their wallet good luck to you
I've been through very, VERY similar experiences as a Black woman in these United Snakes, and I can tell you - what those employees did they were TOLD TO DO from on high. When I was undeniably (in other words when the big boys couldn't hide it anymore) racially victimized by a business they told me also - "That employee has been FIRED!" In other words...the employees are told to lay low; stay out of sight; and when the attention and commotion die down - they'll just be hired or placed in another location at the same business owned by the folks claiming they're fired...and their position will always be an even easier, BETTER PAYING position than the one they were just "fired from"...yeah, right.
Sin. It's what's always been wrong with the world.
Load More Replies...Those employees should never be allowed to work in any Customer Service position. So glad you recorded it James.
Well done the company, to the sacked employees-may you never ever get further employment in a customer facing position . A disgraceful situation
I would sue Old Navy for damages! What their employees did was beyond stupid! They are probably guilty of other unreported offenses. Glad Old Navy fired their stupid asses.
Go for it, James. The apology etc is all very nice, but until it impacts their bank account, this s**t goes around and around and around. Winning in court may not end the spiral, but it's good push back. Big up yourself, as they like to say in Jamaica, mahn.
Racial profiling is stupid. Worked at a Waffle House in Longview, had servers who were rude to their customers, because of the colour of their skin. In my experience, you give folks a chance, show respect, you won't have problems.
Are you effin serious??? Hey i bought some underwear and bras there u want me to strip so you can scan that too? I've never heard a that one before an I live right down the rd to an Old Navy For the record I'm not black an I agree with this guy That was racist He judged it by the look a the guy an that was wrong At least those dumbshits were fired
I'd still sue; he should get his local ACLU chapter involved as well since they'll likely provide free legal representation...
I hope he wins his lawsuit and takes them from everything he can because they deserve to be sued to the hilt.
You can't proove it was racial profiling and tbh I don't care. They were in the wrong to accuse him of stealing and that's it, no one should have to go through that. We don't have a big black community where I'm from so all this "racial profiling" is weird for me. I'm not being racist with this comment.
Yes, you are being racist with your comment because your eyes are closed. You're as much of the problem as anyone. The store's behavior was racist because they didn't flag the white customers who also had Old Navy gear on from a previous purchase. I guess you missed that part of the story?
Load More Replies...I USED TO shop at old navy, but won't anymore. This never happens to me in Chicago, but I'm very light skinned and usually have my biracial child with me.
Not acceptable at all...very bad form Old Navy...no apology and then asked to not video ...bad ...sad...makes me mad 😡....a law suit should be filed ....the culprits were fired really ....but not good enough ...sorry you had such a bad experience...not all the stores are like this !
Not good! Glad they were fired! They could at least have scanned and checked video before they made their accusations? And, in spite of their personal embarrassment, they could have apologized to the customer for their mistake and having caused him so much embarrassment?
It would probably come up in the law suit (IANAL).
Load More Replies...Life would be so much easier when all this stupid people understand that black is just a color, we are all humans, and should never be guilty just because of a skin color. Sad...
BTW can someone explain, will the civil lawsuit be against the employees or the company?
Normally, all defendants will be named in a civil litigation suit, but it depends on the scope of the case. In this case, poorly paid or unpaid ex-employees may not have any resources to contribute and may not be listed unless the ACLU takes the case. They would want to see the perps in court.
Load More Replies...Hurray for James! Much applause! James, you assessed the situation correctly and you stood up for yourself effectively. Bizarrely, there are people who deny this kind of bigotry still exists, but it does as your experience and evidence show. I hope you do pursue further legal action. This stupidity should have ended a long, long time ago. But not at all laughable. Cheering! Yay James! Excelsior!
At least, at the company level, they reacted the right way! It doesn't look like a company wide policy. I have no bias, I don't even live in the US.
Load More Replies...Right. He’s filing a civil rights complaint and lawsuit because he was so irreparably and emotionally damaged from the incident! After laughing about it and totally posting it on line because HE felt so ASHAMED by the way Old Navy employees (who LOST THEIR F*****G JOBS FOR WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN JUST A MISUNDERSTANDING BUT GOT TURNED INTO A RACIAL INCIDENT) treated HIM! I hope they award him NOTHING and make him pay for court costs. Because I was right there with him up until THAT LAST BIT WHERE HE WANTS TO MAKE A BUCK FOR DOING NOTHING BUT VIDEOTAPING SOME PEOPLE OUT OF THEIR JOBS. He should have been satisfied with that. I would have been. Just another “victim” trying to make a quick buck. Damn. I already quit FuckBook. Now I need to quit FuckedUp Panda (who won't even post this) because you’re raising my BP for stupid s**t.
Black people see racism in everything, that’s what I think. I frequently being asked to check my bag in clothing stores. Maybe racism exists, but not in this case, for sure. Staff are also people and they make mistakes. I don’t see anything awful, because they thought that this jacked is needed to be purchased.
Whether people realize it or not, you profile every waking moment of your life about everything and everyone you see. When you see someone your brain scans everything about him/her. It's a survival trait. These stores stand to lose a lot from people who shoplift...and there are a lot of shoplifters even among people who have the money to buy. Although all colors shoplift to some degree, blacks do it most often and very often with reckless abandonment. Now if this offends, you too bad. It's a fact. Shoplifters raise the prices on merchandise passing the "savings on to you" the ones who worked for your money and pay for your merchandise. I don't like paying extra for merchandise to offset the loss of people who got it free. The store manager should have checked security cameras before accusing anything.
Just settle it with him by apologizing and giving him some money for false accusation and believe me he will drop the charges immediately because think about these why did he want to take you cult hun obviously it's because you will charge for a higher rate of compensation so to close the case with him just call him and settle him amicably instead of court ok in these case it will all be settled
I am sure this situation is exactly how it was depicted, but why are the white people singled out as the only race to never get stopped for supposed theft? They check my receipt at Walmart every single time I try to leave the store, even though my husband works there, and guess what? I'm white! racial profiling isn't exclusive to one race.
The employees need to be fired for reacially profiling. I’m so glad this young man recorded it all......sounds like a law suit to me. I also hope he did not purchase the hoodies.
Appears to be racially profiling to me....just disgusting. Glad this young man recorded it al.....sounds like a law suit to me.
The store assistants were definitely racist. I can see his point about taking them to court but are they worth the cost? Least he got an apology from Management and assistants were fired, but not an excuse for racism.
OK - apparently if you have dark skin, you BUY your stuff there, but don't dare wear it back IN there. SAD sad sad. One store which will remained un-named where I worked had cameras AND people watching customers. They truly SHOULD have checked things out before they did this.
I would say the company responded appropriately. The customer has gotten the message out (good!). But, if he sued anyone, it should be the employees, not the company. No lawyer will sue them (no pockets), they would want to sue the company (deep pockets). I think a lawsuit at this point would look like a grab for money. Three people appropriately lost their jobs, and it was public enough to increase awareness.
It’s good that they were all fired. But Old Navy clearly needs better training procedures. Including some way to weed out crazy racists. 😠
B******T...Those racists get moved to other stores like ‘fired’ bad cops or predator priests...maybe even suspended for awhile as they’re counting on this customer not returning to their store. Folks of good conscience stay out of moldy Old Navy..cheap, shoddy merchandise...same as the way they treat their minority customers.
I am absolutely appalled this is the 21st Century and still people are being racially vilified because of their colour. To be grateful that they were all fired is not the greatest of reassurances. Those people should have stood in front of this man looked him in the eye and apologised personally. Instead it was left to the company to apologise. That he now wants to proceed with a complaint against them I say and so he should and when they have to shell out for his case, maybe they will understand this is not the way to treat people
Filing lawsuits will only serve to raise prices at all of the stores. The people were terminated. That should be sufficient.
This sounds more like an incompetent store manager and an incompetent checkout clerk than it does racial profiling. If they scanned the jacket, WHAT were they scanning for? If they were scanning for some hidden magnetic device which is scanned at checkout, why didn't this resolve the matter. If it took examining the store's surveillance camera to ensure that he came in wearing the jacket, the store manager should not only have apologized to this customer, she should have offered to sell him all his purchases at cost. It sounds like 3 "I don't care" employees off-handedly performing their duties at a minimum level of competence. If no white customer's clothing was similarly examined, he should definitely file a civil rights complaint and Old Navy should definitely pay damages and be required to report the incident to all of its stores as a horrible example of what not to do. As far as damages are concerned, this seems to be a classic case for punitive damages.
The company fired those involved. The company has supported the customer. No cash hand over required. End of story
Unbelievable!! And that little pimple of a manager didn't even look him in the eye as he asked "Am I free to leave"! RACIST M**O'S
I think the company did the right thing firing the employees, but it is not the company's fault these people behaved in such a way. There is no reason to file a civil suit here. If he isn't just being greedy, then sue the people who did it instead.
Maybe it has nothing to do with skin color, he may have been acting suspiciously or matched another's description. It has happened to me as well!
I think he should stick with the apology from the CEOs as well as be happy for that the employees are fired by now. If he wanna file a lawsuit against anyone, it should be against those 3 people who profiled him and not against the store who actually acted upon the incident when they became aware of it, instead of acting like nothing happened or accused the customer as some top managements does.
I am white and more than once I have had security guards watch my every move, I walked out the store each time without making a purchase. Also nothing on those videos indicated it was racial, yes I agree they were wrong to do what they did, and you can't accuse someone of stealing till they leave the store ( and we're seen picking item off the shelf) but it is wrong to assume it was racist, I have wrongly been accused twice of being racist for the simple reason I am white, I am not saying it was not racist BUT the video clips do not prove it was.
I am sure that James felt humiliated and discriminated against. He absolutely was racially profiled. But upper management, upon hearing about it, immediately fired those involved, and they already have policies against this kind of thing. What else are they supposed to do? How else could they have prevented this from happening? What will a lawsuit teach them? It will cost money and perhaps all employees will sit through a 15-minute video as sensitivity training, and that will cost a little more money, and then they will pass the costs on to us. What was actually solved? I really feel for James. It was messed up what happened to him, and I'm not black so I don't for one second pretend to understand the discrimination that he probably faces every day, but I'm not sure what a lawsuit does to fix the situation.
Old Navy made the correct move. The victimized customer still has every right to sue, but the company (IMO) has done what it could to rectify the situation. I bet they have one big-a*s sensitivity and anti-racism mandatory course soon for all employees, new or old. This man is a hero for those who can't speak out.
So the lesson is, you can never say anything to a black person. They really do need their own city so they can show us whites how to live. Oh wait they do have a city it's called Detroit. They terminated the employees' to keep the blacks happy. What a POS company.
He should totally sue thereby furthering the stereotype that black people scam for money. That way we can start racially profiling them for that too 😂
It's only racists that hold the stereotype that black people scam for money, no matter what he does those people are going to hold that opinion and the one that it's common sense to stop a black man for stealing because he got a nice(ish) jacket on. He just worry about get justice and leave the racists to their views.
Load More Replies...The problem I have with this is that he said he got it for xmas right? its only been a little over a month and he said he has been there a bunch of times since. Does he wear the same jacket every day or go to that store all of them time?
even if he did. maybe he's shopping for gifts for bdays/anniversaries/wedding..who knows why he goes there often. Maybe he's waiting for something to come on sale after xmas. So I wear the same jacket every day. So should I be questioned if I bought my jacket from a walmart??? and walk into a walmart with it on??
Load More Replies...I think that no matter what store you go into, people are people. Some are good people with good values and others are not. Until there is an incident, the store/chain has no idea that it is harboring a racist within its ranks. For that reason, I don't hold Old Navy responsible because it did the right thing, and unlike other stores, it fired them instead of sending them to training. You would have to live in Timbuktu to be unaware of the store policies and how to treat customers. Had the manager and others there bent over backwards IMMEDIATELY apologizing, there might have been a basis for retraining. They should have offered him a substantial discount on anything in the store. So I don't hold Old Navy liable for the dumb asses all stores must hire and keep pending some overt incident. Go ahead and sue but I hope you sue for changes, not bucks.
The store taking immediate action and firing them will more than likely protect them from a big suit. He better settle. If they decide to fight it, they will win.
fired ? good ,,,but not enough,,,take them to court ,,the staff involved i mean,,not the entire company as they seem to have done all they could to rectify the situation..
Really hard to believe these employees were that stupid! But there it is on film. Makes me embarrased to be an old white guy.
Why file against the company...they did their part and fired the employees....the company apologized and took action!
What they did was unacceptable. But at least he got an apology and the offending staff were fired. What I don’t understand is why he has to file a law suit. Then money will compensate for the humiliation??
he should pursue the case. their act is so unacceptable especially not even apologizing. to the 3 fired employees: GOOD RIDDANCE.
I think it's reprehensible that the manager didn't come back out after checking the tape as was Carter's behavior throughout the entire incident and especially the way he wouldn't even look at James' face and was trying to ignore him afterwards. The entire thing was just horrible and the employees just made it all the worse. However, suing for this kind of thing is what is bringing our tort court system to a slow halt and making a joke of our judicial system. At the end of everything James suffered no loss or damages. No one has a right not to be offended and suing because people behaved badly is not a reason to receive whatever hefty sum he'll be asking for in court. The corporation handled things properly and to demand money is just millennial feeling of entitlement. Seriously, what will he say to a judge and jury? "I was offended. Give me money."
Good for firing the ones who did this. Now pay the man for his humiliation.
I get stereotyped shopping all the time. It's humiliating and painful to deal with, probably a big reason why i have severe anxiety. I love shopping too lol.
It is so wrong that in this day and age there are people out there who think it's alright to treat people like that. The colour of your skin does NOT determine what kind of a person you are . Racism of all kinds just has to be abolished. Mind you I bet they wouldn't have done that to Will Smith or Jay-Z☺.
Well, during a lawsuit, there should be a period of discovery and his lawyer will find out if those employees are still with the company. If they are, there will be more hell to pay.
Load More Replies...I don't feel any lawsuits are necessary. The employees were terminated and he was issued an apology. A nice sized gift card would have been a nice addition to the apology. I don't see that it can be proven that it was because he was black. They saw a jacket looking new that is one that sell in the store and they jumped to conclusions. I'm not saying he wasn't profiled but I don't think it can be assumed. But they lost their jobs and that shows that Old Navy was serious about it not being okay. And that's what it should be about, not making money off it.
Why does he think they're racist ? is it because they are white? maybe they were profiling him cuz of his age... i get checked almost every time i touch something and i'm the whitest guy out there lol
Unacceptable, it is your duty to sue for the people who come behind you and are unable to do it for themselve(s). I am white - this stuff still shocks me, stupidity is rampant.
He's a black man in America and didn't realize how widespread racial profiling is? It is a pity and a shame you had to find out this way. Not that it makes the humiliation palatable, but I hope you win a BUNCH of money
Wow how sad is that? This man deserves high praise for keeping his cool while being assaulted by those "employees" if this ever happened to me(it wont because im an old,fat,white guy. In a grocery store maybe) I would be flippin out big time. Go for the civil rights and damages lawsuit. hit em where it hurts in public!
Sue their asses! And I'd be willing to bet that the "three employees" they fired were either entirely fictitious or not the managers who were involved in perpetrating this act (e.g. they "fired" some other low-level clerks who were going to be let go anyway).
Who cares if they were fired? How is that an apology. They should be fired but the dude should’ve been given free s**t for that whole s**t show
I believe he should sue. How humiliating for him it must of been to remove his jacket and have to fight for them to believe him. This company needs to pay for the humiliation they put a honest man through. Shame on old navy and their crappy employees.
Walking out of a "Peaches" music shop years ago, their buzzer sounded and the doors locked me in. "What have you got?" boomed the clerk. "What are you implying?" was my answer. He insisted I put back what I was trying to steal, which was nothing whatsoever. I had a thought, stepped toward him (as he backed away) and placed my pager on the counter and went back through the "detector." Nothing. I should have made him call the police and then sued for unlawful detention but I had things to do.
Definitely, racist stereotyping by the Old Navy employees. Glad Old Navy did the right thing, becausee I don't want to have to boycott them. Lawsuit, I think that is a bit over the top, but I do think Old Navy should give him $500 or so credit at their stores.
I was with him until the lawsuit. The three employees were immediately fired. What dies he wasn't the company to do, to torture them? If there was any indication that this is a systematic issue caused by bad company policies them a lawsuit would make sense, but the customer himself dais this never happened before to him or other black customers.
He got his justice if 3 people were sacked, so he should leave it at that. I think the store rather than terminate the staff ,should keep them on ,and train them to be nice to customers, and be better at service, now they are going to get another job and continue the same practice.
I think them getting fired is enough- I wouldn't file anything further unless they didn't take the appropriate action.
Yeah, I’m white and something similar happened to me recently. Not everythin* is racially motivated.
If blacks didn't steal so often they probably wouldn't be accused of stealing.
I'm pretty sure the color of his skin had nothing to do with this incident and it was simply bad employees.
This would be a much different story if they had called the cops. The cops would shown up and most likely shot this guy for "Stealing" his own coat. Then certain parts of the media would track down every bad thing he has ever done in his life, and use that to justify the cops actions in shooting and killing him. This is what its like to be Black in America. No racism here, nothing to see here folk, please go along your day and be happy you decided to be white when you were born.
I believe he should file suit against the three that profiled him. Not sure if I agree with filing against the company as they did the only thing they could do when it was brought to their attention. They apologized and fired all involved. Would rather see him take the people involved to the cleaners more than the company to be honest. Hit the people that made the decision to harass him and make them never forget him.
Oh boy. Lawsuit because of RACE? Maybe it was because of the jacket. Nowe there will be a hundred or so wearing stuff they got for Christmas, birthday or stolen from some other store, hoping that they will get tagged for theft. And then suit for racism. Better odds than the lottery.
He had a bad experience, one I have never suffered(66 yrs young, white). But I think suing them is a bit much. He got his payback on three people who, understandably, are now unemployed. Enough.
The right to free speech has consequences, just like being a racist has.
Load More Replies...There is no evidence of racially profiling - oh the same hand, the retailer should have had been more aware of the customer going in before they made the assumption that he was stealing. In an environment where so much theft is encountered, EVERYBODY needs to be willing to patiently allow the process of justice and personal liberty.
file the lawsuit and make the complaint. Congratulations that they got fired.
That's not stereotyping. That's thinking they stole a jacket because they sell that jacket in the store. I, a white female, avoid wearing clothes to the store I bought them from for this very reason. Why is everything that goes wrong in a person of colours life racist?
This is WONDERFUL NEWS !!! I hope he is successful because as a white male, the "stereotyping" I am currently very publicly subject too by so many various groups and utilising the same precedent should he win, I am going to be a f*****g millionaire... yay, bring it on !!!
Wow. Are you kidding? I mean for real...are you joking? If you're not you should really be ashamed of yourself for being this ignorant in "these days."
Load More Replies...I am tired of people using the Race card, but this time I wholly agree with the customer. He was embarrassed, because of a bigoted employee. Glad they were fired.
Well, now that we have your stamp of approval that this was a racist incident, I and every Black person in this nation will sleep easy tonight. Thanks, massa.
Load More Replies...Where did anyone say you are black, show us where you paid for that jacket. He's just another racist trying to get rich by screaming their patented RACIST bullchit.
He asked them to watch the video of him coming in the store wearing the Jacket.. does that help you?
Load More Replies...Plot spoiler: this dude has multiple shoplifting convictions. (But that's racist!)
Cite your source, John Smith. (Oh, that's his real name, right?) And, yes, you are coming off as racist. Bravo!
Load More Replies...You're white no questions asked, your not pink beware! The great usa american
The great usa american dream is only for the very rich. Since I've come back to my country in 1970 the usa has not changed one bit. Always as racist as ever. The pinky whites must remember that African people never asked to become slaves! Nothing has ever been done to integrate the slave after the civil war. Lincoln didn't have any plans to have jobs, housing, schooling for the ex-slaves. No wonder that you guys have gone straight into the wall head first. Remember that none of the African people brought over by your forefathers never asked to be put on boats chained like crates to become slaves for you. The states is made up of hypocrites who go to church yet treat none pinky whites like s***e! Your country must grow up or is doomed.
Load More Replies...Did they call him a rasist name? Did they say “You’re a Black, Latino, Purple, Orange, Green, Muslim, Brown, whatever American”? If they did then it’s about race. If not, then it is just about the jacket. I am sooo tired of the bloody “race card”. If the jacket appears to be brand new and from the store obviously a store Clerk will ask. That is our job. Many times people run out of retail stores with our property. The next time you go in, do what so many people have done and wear the tags from the store. It looks completely stupid but if the shopkeeper can’t scan it, then it suprise! Is paid for.
Racism isn't just verbal. It's also behavioral. There were white people with Old Navy clothes on that they'd previously purchased and they weren't stopped or questioned but he was. Also, no one cares how tired you are of the so-called race card because this isn't about you.
Load More Replies...Let it go old mate. They have been fired. Why take it further other than for revenge or to stir shite. Be bigger than that, don’t play the victim card too much..
People like you are part of the ongoing problem. You're very well named, Mal, because you certainly are "bad" news. First of all, James isn't playing a victim card; he was victimized. Secondly, there's nothing wrong with revenge if it's legal and a lawsuit is perfectly legal. It's downright insulting of you to suggest he be the "bigger" person in this situation. When are white people going to be "bigger" instead of the ethical midgets too many of you still are? When are white people, like those employees, going to stop stirring up stuff? Because they are the ones who started all of this, not him. Call me when all of you get YOUR act together and then we will think about taking that higher road you mentioned.
Load More Replies...The law suits should be against the former employees, not the store.
If blacks didn't steal so often they wouldn't be stereotyped as thieves.
White people stole everything from Blacks and natives then claim it as theirs. check your history book. You didnt belong in North America, you didnt belong in Africa either. Youve been stealing lands, culture, spices, food, raping native women, stealing gold in the Africas, to Americas and destroying cultures.
Load More Replies...ok, I understand that this young man was racially profiled, this is wrong and we all know it, Gap who owns old navy took action on the matter by firing the 3 employees involved, now my question, why is this young man filing a civil rights lawsuit? In my opinion, it they ignored the issue he would have every right to file a lawsuit, but in this case no
I think the lawsuit is overkill if they fire the a******s and apologize. Had they not responded swiftly it would be appropriate, but corporate is not responsible for those jerks
Everyone racial profiles everyone. On purpose or subconsciously. Good or bad. That's life. People commenting like they have never racially profiled anyone.
That is a very interesting statement Dan but there is a marked difference between racially profiling and simply assessing another human being standing in front of you. If you think everyone racially profiles everyone you're wrong. They don't. You see another person and see that they're of another color skin...that's it. Nothing beyond that. I don't then automatically start seeing the propensity for criminal activity. Racial profiling has detrimental effects on society because it doesn't take into account any multiples or variables for probablility. It's too broad. The effect then creates this blanket that in my opinion then begets more prejudice.
Load More Replies...White people get to make blacks jump through hoops sometimes. Even when commonsense tells them it's the wrong thing to do, they can't resist. That 3 people could not come to a better conclusion is astonishing.
As s****y as it was I don't think that is right to sue people for being racist. It damages your right to free speech. You can't have the good without allowing the bad also. Or it it ends up not being free speech at all.
The right to free speech has consequences, just like being a racist has.
Load More Replies...File a civil rights complaint so that it is in the record. The lawsuit is perhaps over the top other than to also make sure what happened is part of a public record. The firing of the 3 individuals involved should be sufficient for resolving this particular event - unless there exists some proof that the corporation has been previously supporting or encouraging such practice and just canned 3 employees to get out from under.
So what damages did he actually suffer? What loss? What compensation can make him whole?
That is what a civil lawsuit then becomes and a judge determines. Humiliating experiences are often the base of civil lawsuits and I see this as a good example of a civil lawsuit. In my estimation this is a definite civil lawsuit. While there are many people here saying he shouldn't bring a suit, I disagree. In my mind he was clearly falsely accused. Whether you think it was racially motivated or not (which I believe it was) he was still falsely accused and humiliated. The fact that it appears to be racially motivated is even worse. One must be seen secreting the item they're accused of taking. He was told he wasn't allowed to film. This is also not true. He is allowed to film if nothing else for his own safety in this public place so long as it doesn't violate the privacy of another person. There are several other points I can make but these to me are the most pertinent regarding the initial comment. O.N. was wrong wrong wrong. They should have apologized & genuflected.
Load More Replies...i would want absolute proof these racists were actually fired, and not just moved to another store.
They say they were all fired, but were they, they could have sent to other stores. He should file a complaint, I would.
I disagree about the firing of the employees. I would rather have three employees that made a mistake, underwent correction and training that would then not make the same mistake again. Rather then have three new employees that might make the same mistake. People make mistakes and should be given a chance to make amends.
It stinks. OTOH he helped the store get rid of those employees which is a good thing. Bringing suit against it though just makes it seem that he's trying to make money off of it. He should just be happy with what he accomplished IMO and keep it out there on the web.
I don't agree with you. Yes he should file suite. If this goes to court and he wins this will send out a signal to all the other shops that this type of behavior has to stop.
Load More Replies...It's the 21st century and YOU don't ALLOW your wife to do something? You need to get with the times. She is a free agent not a prisoner, I would imagine.
Load More Replies...Not for u to judge. He is in his right to do so. By the way
Load More Replies...Unfortunately there are racists working all over. The company, if they take action should not be sued. Sue the companies who condone this behavior instead of those to attempt to fix the problem
Load More Replies...Your two cents isn't even worth two cents of Monopoly money, frankly. A lot of Black people, myself included, are sick and tired of people telling us to take the high road and be the better person in the face of brutal inequality and racism. We're not trying to be saints; we are trying to be warriors. James is fighting the good fight and he's right to sue because, win or lose, the very filing of the suit will establish a paper trail. The next time a person of color is wronged in a Gap-owned store, there will be that legal precedent already set. As for those employees, they embarassed themselves. They showed their true nature and I don't feel sorry for them. I'm glad the video went viral and I hoped it frustrates their ability to get a good job in the future. Let them flip burgers in a grease pit for a few years so they can think about what they did.
Load More Replies...Would the police believe him, though... Never been to the U.S.A., so I don't want to be the one stereotyping here, but American police is pretty infamous for "accidentally" shooting to death random black men because they were wearing hoodies....
Load More Replies...So glad he recorded this nonsense and got the names as faces of those people. They're pathetic and he truly kept his cool through it all. An amazing reaction given the situation he was put in.
He was great! Keeping his composure the way he did, magnifies the absurdity of the situation.
Load More Replies...After 16 years of being in retail, all colors, genders and ages steal.
This is true, but young black males are profiled. There is absolutely no doubt about that.
Load More Replies...I am white and I am old. I have seen a lot of inappropriate behavior. I support his plan to sue and file. Don't most garments, including coats, have metal bits attached that set off an alarm when one tries to leave the store? Either wait until the child walks through the alarm or check the place on the coat where the metal thing is attached. And if it isn't there and there is no hole making it obvious the metal was torn out, then offer a major apology and a gift card. I've always understood that a person cannot be charged with shoplifting until leaving the store. Is that no longer true? Sorry this happened to you, young man.
As well, he was NOT OBSERVED taking the jacket, as he obviously didn't. That makes it a racially motivated hate crime.
Load More Replies...I bet every one of those employees believe they aren't racist. That's how insidious racism is. They probably aren't even aware that their behavior was racist. We must be willing to examine ourselves and look deeper- and be willing to look at uncomfortable truths.
Julia comment has so much truth to it. Racism goes both ways. My white friends have been accused of being racist, which they aren’t, not even remotely close. One of my girlfriends (blonde blue eyes southern bell) came crying to me after a client accused her of mistreating her for the color of her skin. This client embarrassed her boyfriend when she started ranting in front of other customers because it wasn’t true. No one is amune to racial profiling. I’ll catch myself profiling Muslims yet I haven’t meet one single Muslim I haven’t liked and that fits the description or profile that the news and media try to portray as terrible people. I’m brainwashed to have my guard up but have never had any life experience to give me any reason to. I think we all should try to be more self aware in this matter.
Load More Replies...They even looked guilty. What a crock of s**t. Glad they were fired, hope he gets paid a ton of money.
I di as well, i also hope others learn from this
Load More Replies...This type of thing should never happen. It's 2018 for crying out loud. I don't understand why or society continues to hold onto racism. We are the human race. The color of our skin is irrelevant.
It is relevant. We are not the same; we all have our unique culture. I, for one, as a Black person, have no desire to be lumped in with everyone else, thank you. But, we are all deserving of equal respect.
Load More Replies...Actually our son was accused of stealing a belt in a store when he was 16 years old. He had on shorts and a tank top, basketball Knicks clothing. When the mall cop made him pull up his top, of course no belt was on him. Then they saw his wallet, which was a gift from me for his birthday, and bought at the same store. They said he had lifted that it. I was called to the store, and they wanted me to sign a confession for him to make it all go away. I had the receipt still at home, so I drove 15 miles to home and back. The manager took his sweet time looking at the receipt, then said, OK, you can go. No apology, nothing. I was furious. Store was Steinbach's, now out of business. GOOD! By the way, we are just average white folks. Stores had better be sure before they accuse people, no matter what the age or color.
the sad truth of this is, if he didnt record this whole thing i bet old navy wouldn't have believed him and this would just be one more injustice in the world.
In the store I worked at (not an Old Navy) we had to see the customer take something from the shelves and then walk out of the store before accusing him of stealing. This is unacceptable. Glad he got their faces and glad they all got fired.
Exactly, there is so much wrong with the whole event here, it is undeniably racist profiling. The systemic level of it concerning. I seriously doubt that the company would have reacted so appropriately if there had been no proof.
Load More Replies...If you are as such big company as for example old navy, its hard to control and keep the level of professionalism same around the world. But what i do like is how they reacted afterwards. And as a reply to Hans, why to bother with police, when you can make it viral :)))))
I find your comment absurd it don't matter how big a corporation there is no excuse for not having proper customer ethics
Load More Replies...this is pathetic really picking on a guy because of his color i thought society was better than this. BUT NO we are just a bunch of racist egotistical maniacs
I don't know why you thought America was better than this. It's exactly like this.
Load More Replies...Why press the matter even though Old Navy handled it well? Exposure that this happens so often to those that want to deny it exists and ensure companies are motivated to have zero tolerance for employees that act this way and worse. My nursing supervisor was giving me a ride home after work and we stopped at well know drug store for ice cream. The sweet old white lady who so nicely served me hissed like a rabid raccoon at my boss, who is black, "We don't take food stamps!" I wish I could have recorded the incident because I've got called a liar after telling it. My supervisor took it all with an air of dignified disgust, she was used to it. I believe no one should have to get used to this. Time to make it no longer socially acceptable to do so.
I'm sorry that happened to your boss. Personally, I don't do "dignified disgust". I do, what is your full name? Where is the store manager? I will be calling the corporate offices in the morning and I won't stop complaining until you are fired. That's what I do. Granted, your boss probably has lower blood pressure...but I've got to be me.
Load More Replies...When my son was a baby I had to take him to the ER and had the cops called on me while i was waiting in the waiting room. Why? Because my son looked white while I am mixed with black and white. There was no apology they just left after they confirmed that I am in fact his mother. But we did not leave without my mother giving them an ear full, especially since she had to leave work to come and prove that her daughter wasnt kidnapping a baby. They listened to her because she is white but would not take my word for it, they thought I was lying and all the documents I had were fake.
I am so sad this has happened to you, it is such an abomination, it must have been a great trauma for your baby, you and all of your family.
Load More Replies...I'd pursue the lawsuit! This has to stop! When you have to prove that the jacket you wore into the store is bought and paid for, that becomes an infringement on your rights. What Old Navy was basically saying is: there's no way you can afford that jacket. Prove it's yours. I find it disgusting . Kudos to you James Conley III for standing up for yourself and keeping your cool and not getting angry...which most of us would probably have done.
actually, if that lawsuit goes to trial, James will probably loose. So far as I can tell, they did nothing to infringe on rights or civil liberties. They were stupid, yes. offensive, certainly. Further, it's been made clear this is not the policy of Gap Incorporated, by the fact that these moronic individuals are now terminated. On the other hand, James has an excellent opportunity to get an out-of-court settlement, which probably comes with a non-disclosure agreement keeping him from talking about it.
Load More Replies...Some years ago,we had a shop.Several other retailers warned us about high school kids and the need watch them constantly as they would steal,the second you turned your back....In all the time we were open,I never had a problem with high school kids stealing anything.....However, when it came to white middle aged "Soccer Mums", Wealthy older women (one aided by her middle aged son) & cashed up middle aged hipsters....We lost $$$$ worth of stuff...The only time we were ever robbed,it was by a "nice" family ! (Dad,Mum & teen daughter,2 to distract ,1 to empty the till).My husband realized what had happened & told them to hand back the cash and leave,which they did! The young man in the video absolutely did the right things ,remaining calm & in control & continuing to film ,kudos to the company for taking swift action and firing the offenders too.
I have gone into Old Navy here in Pennsylvania and wore my Old Navy close that I purchased a visit before, I have never been asked to have my clothing checked. For the store manager to act the way he did was very unprofessional and then you have the district manager that checked the video footage to she if this young man came into the store with the jacket on, she should have came out and say she was sorry (very unprofessional).
Since I worked in a retail store I can speak for both sides.If there had been any suspension that a store customer might try to shoplift items a store with a could security team would have caught it long before he would try to pay for it. Secondly most shoplifters do not wear the items they are trying to steal on them as they are checking out. This is not very common. This is a good example of poor training and a lack of customer service from the employees of Old Navy. You never project an unfriendly atmosphere and assume the customer is telling you the truth.
Oh, but they do try to steal things they wear. Going into the dressing room to ''try'' on clothing and then walking out the door with it on under a jacket, leaving the tags in the dressing room.
Load More Replies.....and after all that humiliation, (if I was in his shoes) I would also feel lucky. In case the manager called the police , for him videotaping, I bet ANYTHING the cops would shoot/taser first the black guy, then ask questions.
Old Navy is going to have to change their name to Old Confederacy
The reasoning behind filing the civil action is to create a precedent. Even if there is no monetary value to it. It is important that our standard court procedures continue, as this is the only way to ensure a healthy evolution of our justice system.
I think he should go through with the suit. That way, it gets put in the system and they can track how many times it happens.
It was plain wrong in the first place to assume the customer was stealing when they had NO prior evidence to give them any suspicions. Big mistake.
good luck with the suit james. i am so sorry you were treated so badly. i am english and i know racism goes on here too but i have only come across it once. i am ashamed to say i slapped the racist so hard he fell over, the mad he was insulting gave me a hug , said thanks, and said, that was almost worth putting up with racism for, then i got a kiss on my cheek. there is no excuse for it, none. in
people has to be involved! I remember when i was little, walking with my mother, then we saw a group of policemen controlling the ID and almost bullying a black kid, then my mum tells the policemen "do you want to see my ID too?". The cops were really embarrased then let the poor kid go. Little things can change a lot of things.
Load More Replies...That's ridiculous! To accuse him with obviously NO basis in fact!
It's racism, and the fact that they agreed they should have apologised on humanitarian ground dammit! Such a shame! My apologies to the great gentleman who took it in good spirit.
Wow...I'm so glad those employees got canned. So glad you got this on camera, and seriously, what BS that you aren't allowed to video tape. Good for you!!
that has NEVER happened to me and I'm latino. If a store EVER did that to me I would totally cause a scene lol. I can't believe that happened to him. I mean we all buy or get clothes and don't go into stores naked lol.
and now I see the beginning of a new campaign to protest old navy.
Load More Replies...I think if I were that young man, I would go back to that store to make sure they weren't just "blowing smoke", and that those particular employees were, indeed, fired...
Corporations only understand financial losses. Also, winning a suit will be a legal record of the company's racial profiling. So, the next time this happens -- and there will be a next time -- there will be a paper trail of this sort of behavior from Old Navy (Gap).
Load More Replies...Old Navy doesn't just profile by color. They also discriminate against overweight people too. I was shopping for my son and husband, but because I was overweight, the manager told me I wouldn't find anything in my size. Even pointed out that the clothes I had picked out, wouldn't fit me! I responded to her that I was buying them for my family. Since she and other employees were so ugly to me, I left without purchasing anything and to this day some 20 years later, I've never set foot in an Old Navy again. Never will.
They still need to be responsible for their employee's actions. I think This man should be compensated and their employee's educated
https://inhabitat.com/ecouterre/children-as-young-as-12-are-making-clothing-for-old-navy-in-bangladesh/ They not only encourage child labor and sweat shops but are also racist. More reasons not to go to a old navy store.
Jame was certainly right to video everything. Every person of color who experiences this kind of situation should record it from start to finish. Almost everyone has phones capable of this. IF it happens often enough, maybe a few thick-headed racists will begin to get the message.
the regional manager never comes back to apologize? thats insane. they totally deserve to be sued. also , old navy would have a lot more credibility if it posted a customer bill of rights kind of thing and the company mission statement publicly
Well done Mr. Conley for your presence of mind and your refusal to be bullied.
Besides being racist, the managers are complete POS's for not at least apologizing for their horrible behavior.
You carry on and sue - disgusting behaviour. When they realised they were wrong they should have apologized.
When they realised they were wrong they should have come and apoligised to you. I dont blame you for sueing them.
Sad in this day and age, we stillhave people who threat others with such disrespect.
Hope the manager lost his job didn't even make eye contact when he was leaving or apologies for inconvenience, so rude!
That's my nightmare. I feel like this is gonna happen every time I walk into Primark in UK because mostly almost all that I am wearing is from Primark and I shop there often so I have their current things on :D Luckily they are probably used to this. It's good that he recorded it and that it ended up like this. I felt a bit weird about him causing three people to lose their jobs but then again they were complete a******s and wouldn't even appologize. Hopefully they went away realizing that they absolutely can't behave like this.
The manager should have first never treated a customer this way . Second should have apologized to this customer . 100% fail .
You should have just walked out with the jacket on. If they tried to detain you at that point you would have a valid basis for a lawsuit as they obviously had no valid reason to think that you did not own the jacket.
yeah he should sue their a*s its not right just to racially judge him
I've never been one for frivolous lawsuits, but g..d..it! I hope this guy takes Old Navy to the cleaners!
The look on that young man's face is heart breaking. He's trying hard to be unaffected by what happened to him, but it is easy to see that he was deeply hurt by the experience. Many, many people will never know that feeling.
Old Navy is trying to do damage control but sadly doing damage control means you harmed someone. so the young gentleman should sure them and spread the word about this as far and wide as he can.
The treatment this gentleman received was outrageous!! He was owed an apology twice!!! SHAME ON OLD NAVY!!
I had that happen once with a ball cap I was wearing once at Spencer’s I had to show them the inside where It was clearly worn and they actually did apologize. I was embarrassed of being accused of shoplifting but then they had the decency of trying to make up for being wrong. Those people at Old Navy couldn’t have been more wrong in the way the store employees handled it.
I think Old Navy responded swiftly and justly. As for filing a damages suit - the only damages incurred are from his posting this on Facebook for the world to see. I think a formal complaint so it is on record is just but as I said, the corporation moved quickly and did the right thing. Perhaps they should do an additional training with employees about this.
Hey, I encountered a racist experience in Canada. Can you believe it? In Canada?!! I worked at a local tool store as a cashier. I had accidentally misplaced some cash and it had slid into the cashier desk. By the time I had to cash out, my supervisor had asked me to empty out my pockets!! I was shocked, and she even stormed out the office and accused me of stealing in front of several employees. The next day I had heard the HR lady and my supervisor laughing about it in the office!! So glad i was able to find a new and better job. One that isn't customer service related.
No, I think he did steal his own jacket. If he were white then the employees were wrong! Just kidding, but my real observation is why did he buy the cap anyway ? I would have told them to eat it and walk out after getting everyone's names. He did a good job documenting everything. Hope you win, you are doing the right thing.
It's just ol'e John again. I didn't read the whole story close enough. They were checking the cap too. He was checking hoodies not hats, I hope everything works out well for all of the parties involved.
Load More Replies...Sigh.. it's not always a BLACK thing. I'm white, and got followed to the back of a store by a wrinkled hag who went to ostensibly straighten up some merchandise- but I know what she was doing. It's insulting. Ive noticed this kind of stuff a lot more lately, and not just toward me, but to others as well. Either a lot more people are shoplifting, or shops don't care if they insult the customer.
This happens to just about everyone some time in their life. Being black has nothing to do with it, but turning it into a lawsuit and being butt-hurt over it happening in the first place is definitely a black thing... When it happens to to others, they typically just accept the apology from management and find that the employee who screwed up no longer works there the next time they return. On another note: If you really want to bring attention to yourself and claim profiling, acting shady will grab the attention of store security and have them watching you. Have fun, and happy litigation.
Do I think this young man was done wrong? I certainly do. Did the higher ups retaliate on his behalf? They sure did. Should he file the suit? He should most definitely. Will it do him any good? That will depend on the judge. The company is responsible for any infraction wrought by anyone under their employment and simply letting these individuals go and apologizing would be a matter of whether they did it because they feel they were wrong or because they were caught.
The best outcome is that the employees be sued for their violation of his civil rights. Old Navy may have deeper pockets but the employees were all pleased with themselves for breaking the law or they would have been more careful to avoid breaking the law and then, they failed to apologize. Looks very cut and dry. Hope they personally pay and pay dearly, publicly and loudly.
Load More Replies...This situation is just wrong but Racial profiling is not exclusive to any race. I am White, and I get my bags/receipt checked upon leaving Walmart every time I try to exit, even though my husband works there.
I have shopped at Walmarts in different states and never had my purchases checked.
Load More Replies...I often shop at stores I bought stuff in and not once have I ever been asked to remove it and have it scanned to ensure I had paid for it. If they make a genuine mistake, like a bag I am holding that is their brand, I just say "I bought this the other day" and it's all over apologies.But often I get constantly asked if I need help to the point where I say, "For the final time NO!" It makes shopping so unpleasant. Ask me once if I need help, but asking me 7 times in as many minutes just makes me leave. Priceline in Australia is notorious for it. Their male staff seriously ask me if I want help when I am looking at sanitary supplies? It is just annoying and confronting. Like what do they expect? "Yes can you tell me what size tampons I should buy?" Thing is constantly asking you if you want help is legal. I doubt these staff would have asked to scan the same jacket of a seemingly affluent white man. I am sure Old Navy will settle this one out of court. How could you fight it?
It is wrong that he's filing a suit. He got what he wanted and even had the owners terminated/file a post about it. I understand his frustrations, but isn't this a bit overboard? Racism is not ok. However, these were some ignorant people; not the whole darn company.
Not wrong at all. Its no accident that three people in one shop acted this way. A suit will make Old Navy think long and hard about their employee training and maybe be more careful about who they hire.
Load More Replies...Crows steal. If they steal and get caught, it's the white patriarchy leaving them no other option. If they are checked, and prevented from stealing, it's the white patriarchy oppressing them. F**k off, crows.
I have to wonder what would have happened had he only approached corporate with the videos and not posted them publicly.
WTF did they hope to accomplish by scanning his jacket? It's not like it has a serial number on it to prove that it was purchased. Okay - he's wearing your product. He's BUYING your product. Has Loss Prevention flagged him as behaving suspiciously? No? Then WHY THE FLIP are you publicly humiliating him by doing a pointless exercise?! Run the tape back, then be ready to get on your hands and knees to apologize to a customer you'll probably never get back...
i'm white and I've had this happen at a Gap store as well as an REI. So I'm not really that surprised.
Conley obviously won this one. He got three people fired and he got an apology. There is no reason other than greed for a lawsuit.
WOW; 2018, another great year for African Americans. As a Black British person I really can't understand why so many Black people want to emigrate to America. Racism seems to be getting worse under Trump and there's no universal healthcare. And we moan about Brexit. the people of the UK don't know how good we've got it!
This happened to me and I am white but that is not my point, train you staff properly! If you live near a mail and shop there at some point you will come back to that store wearing the clothes you bought in that mall. When this innocent man walks into the store and automatically told he stole the coat is totally outradious. They would not listen to him and continued to try and prove their point. I think these fools should be fired. I am very glad this was saved to video and will be passed around to thousands of people to see. We all have stories about very bad behavior by staff in stores. I think after seeing how you treated this nice man and how you handed it I will personally never shop in a Old Navy again.
I went to a shop in New York once and the saleswoman followed me around so closely (every step I took) that when I stopped walking she stumbled right into my back. Then she continued to follow me as if we were tethered until I left the store. It is an odd and disheartening thing to be considered a thief just because you exist.
How is this racial??? Never once in anything I saw, did the color of his skin or his race come up. Yes, I agree, this should not have happened. But you can't call racist on every single thing that happens in life.
No one should be that stupid to think they treated this guy this way because of any reason other than he was black. Like he said, they didn't treat white people the same way. Too bad you're not smart enough to know racism when it exists or are you simply pretending to be that stupid?
Load More Replies...Believe it or not, they do this to old white women too. It happened to my mom’s friend. She was so angry, she never shopped there again! Now that I’m older, I’m waiting for it to happen to me! And it won’t be pretty...
SOOOOOOOOOOO HAPPY they all their trump-a**-kissing selves were fired. This is the reality the current President has made!
racism was in power long b4 trump came to power. I think you should retract this idiotic statement.
Load More Replies...trollbait here - get your trollbait - back under the bridge wence you came...
Load More Replies...I hope you hired a good lawyer! ! Old Navy took action because they know what a good lawsuit you have . Good luck !
Back in 1979 I had just bought new Ethan Allen furniture and was looking for place mats when a coworker said try the new Dillard's store in Greens point! On my day off I went and dressed as usual for Houston Texas blue jeans very expensive cowboy boots and a western shirt. I am a female and at the time was 34 years old! I usually shopped at Foley's so that was my first stop! Nothing there so on to Dillard's. I was not in the store long when I noticed a big man with a crew cut following me! I was in the fine China department when a snooty older woman came over and said can I help you!! I knew then what was up this was a Yankee store/just moved to Houston!! I my best tx. Accent I said well bless your heart I do need help I'm looking for something for my new table and I just can't find what it want everything looks soooo cheap I guess I'll go down town to Kaplan Ben Hur where I bought my China!! Then I left! I found out later they had brought clerks from other stores to help!
The largest percentage of clothing theft from a store is from management, not customers. I also hope Old Navy gave James Conley a huge gift certificate--and like, ten of those coats in every colour of the rainbow.
From management? Really? I didn't know that. Well, you learn something new every day!
Load More Replies...I hear a lot of misguided people state that "prejudice" is over. HA! Watch this story and say that again with a straight face.
Racism and prejudice is obviously not over but this video is not proof of that. I see absolutely no proof of this being racially motivated.
Load More Replies...what is the bet it IS store policy and these 3 employees were thrown under the bus....otherwise,why would there be no follow-up?...it all seems very begrudging...he's probably got a point...I'm sure he'll get a shitload of vouchers.
you should have refused to remove the jacket for them to check it and then taken the clothes you were going to buy and tossed them back into the store and let them go find them to put them away.
So the company sacked the employees and rightly so. However James is going to file a civil rights lawsuit. Seems unfair on the company that they have acted swiftly and with integrity, yet are still to be pursued for what I assume is financial compensation.
I was followed out of a drugstore one time and made to empty my purse on the sidewalk - the clerk insisted I had stolen a bottle of nail polish (nope) because I had been looking at them for too long. I was 16, its what girls do.
Disgusted.....I'm white and I friggin hate white people sometimes.....makes me sick....and did they actually get fired??? I'd be going back to check the store regularly! They probably got moved to another area, idiots!
Spot on, the company might just transfer them somewhere else and none the wiser !
Load More Replies...I can't believe that the sale clerk, AND the manager, were too ignorant to even apologize!
Well with the indecent salaries paid in the states what do you hope to get as employees.
Load More Replies...They got fired so I would just let it go a personal apology is enough. Cashing in on stuff like this doesn’t solve the problem you become the problem
Did they actually apologise directly to him or just make a public presentation for a public statement?? Absolutely unacceptable!! Shame , shame!! Will not be shopping Old Navy anymore!!
Given that it's on the interwebtubes at the moment suggests that a lot of people are already being made aware.
Load More Replies...And retailers wonder why Amazon is taking their business. It's not just price, it's having to put up with their employees.
I like the way he kept positive,been in many arguments with stores and rude staff,never recorded though-I may just do that now though !!!
I think it was unacceptable however the company DID apologize for the actions of the employees and fired them. None the less, I also believe that reparations should have been made for the humiliating treatment by the employees, who were - at the time - representatives of the company, with at the very LEAST, merchandise credit for the treatment. Suing the company for civil rights violation seems overkill since the company DID follow through and made a public apology and terminated the offending employees. None the less, as a corporation, you are responsible for the behavior of your hired workers so should definitely make some reparations. Even if the man was not black, I have personally seen store clerks question customers because they thought they looked suspicious or didn't meet their criteria of "upstanding", when they had done nothing wrong. Whether the customer was black, white, Asian, dressed well or dressed poorly - their behavior was unacceptable.
He has every right to pursue this. They racially profiled him, treated him like a thief and when they realized they screwed up weren't even willing to apologize for their behavior. 15 years of retail experience and I'll tell you that one of the most prolific 'groups' of thieves are middle aged white women who justify their theft as 'I shop here all the time, they get so much money from me' and 'the store charges to much for this'. But we aren't going to see Old Navy treat them the way they treated this young man are we. Of course we aren't.
Dear James, I am very sorry that this happened to you. And I totally understand why you wat a measure of Old Navy’s skin in return. Dear Old Navy, I am somewhat gratified that you investigated and terminated the employees involved. How about instituting some sort of racial awareness education, a la Starbucks so this doesn’t happen again? Signed to both, Your “former” white customer
A sincere apology from the main office and a serious talk (and maybe termination of employment) with the employees of the store should suffice. S**t happens. Nobody got killed. Move on.
At this point he's just going for a money grab. He's already got three people fired which is perfectly reasonable but now he's going too far and acting like a big baby.
When they realized they made a mistake, they seriously should have been bending over backwards to make it up to him. A gift certificate could have possibly smoothed things over.
Old Navy are just covering their backs, when the real problem is INSTITUTIONAL RACISM FROM THE TOP.
Just another one looking for publicity and money. FFS, the employees were sacked!!! So now it is just about money and fame. Typical of our “Where there is blame, there is a claim” Makes me so mad.
See if you have enough of a case to SUE THEM INTO BANKRUPTCY!!!! I am a 43 year old white guy from the DEEP south that grew up hearing blacks called N----er and even I say SUE them!! Make them pay for it!!! He did a great job and remained cool the whole time!!
Revenge has been accomplished. The people involved were fired. The company owned up and spoke out to make the public aware and accept responsibility. What else will bw accomplished by a civil suit?
I don't think it was because you are black bro...it was because they are f*****g dumb... ;) Peace out brother ;) and screw the f*****s :D ...it was redicilious :D one time in one store they wanned me to pay for me bottle of water which i was bringing with me from another place...and allthough they don't sell the same brand of water...they still wanted me to pay...so i said OK ...tell me how much it is, mark it , come on? And when they couldn't they said it was ok...i didn't even get an apology but it's OK :D
they fired all 3, which is perfect. Going to court ? Thats to fill your pockets, the american dream
Why does everyone automatically assume he was pulled aside for his colour? Are we just all shouting 'racist' now every time something happens to a black person?
oops. As I was trying to say, The company apologized and remedied the situation by firing those involved. No lawsuit warranted or appropriate.
Load More Replies...i feel bad that it happened. once i was followed around a store, peeking at me down the isle, etc. i felt like they were thinking i was a thief. I felt bad too. I am a older white woman.
"Finally the District Manager [...] came out and I made her check the surveillance tape to prove that HER and her fellow employees were in the wrong for racially profiling me ..." How the hell can the District Manager be responsible of racially profiling him if she wasn't even there in the first place? If you want to throw accusations all around the place, try to actually be coherent. *smh*
He should sue, they should have personally contacted him and given him some sort of compensation
I hope he can get some compensation, I like the idea that you can sue them.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1309402759204501&id=367271796750940
Disgusting, he needs to take it all the way, that was terrible, I'm gobsmacked, I can't believe it. That company should pay pay pay for that.
Good on you. Glad the morons got fired. I would’ve called the police myself there and then. How stupid were these people 😡
Well James, you did a great job getting every thing recorded.....and you didn't even raise your voice. See them in court....hope your win large!
This is wrong in so many ways that I can't even count them all. I guess from now on, I'll put chap stick, gum, keys, etc. in my pockets so they can tell it's mine. I feel so bad for this young man and hope he sticks to 'em!
This man was guilty until proven innocent, if I'm correct that is the opposite of America's modo. Times are changing and so is the world. Sadly I feel like I can't trust the government of America anymore.
I hope they learned something from this experience. Disgusting.
Disgusting, so sad. I feel so bad that these type of things continue to happen, How would you feel to be treated in this way, the fact that he remained cool calm and collected was great. But then again if he behaved differently it would have played into their hands. I’d would of lost it, thank gooodness for cameras, Good they were fired.
I'm followed instantly when out shopping it bit here's me so much. He did the right thing catching all of their rubbish actions on film. Over the moon they all have the sack!
That's some BS! He deserves every dollar he gets! Yes, it's the fault of the terminated employees, but he was publicly humiliated and deserves compensation!
i'm white and had this happen before, not old navy, but still. i once was grabbed by in store undercover, taken in a back room, made to take my shoes off and drop my pants which the undercover was a woman to prove i didn't have anything stolen hidden and when nothing just told to leave and never come back??? s**t happens to everybody!
Good luck James. I hope you get compensated for the injustice they put you through. And bravo for being such a classy guy, keeping your cool and not stooping to their level. If you get any negative comments here, ignore them. They deserve not one second of your time.
I am sooooooo proud of you James Conley III....You definitely displayed great tact and character in an obviously racist situation. I am a mother of three young black men...(25, 22, & 14) And this angered me greatly! It was like watching one of them being purposely racially profiled as you stated. However, because of the way YOU handled it as a gentleman, staying calm and recording this unacceptable customer service, it forced the company to react quickly and firmly! Everyone deserves fair treatment regardless of race...I’ve taught this to my boys from young because of WHO they are and the professions they have chosen. Kudos! to you young man...You made your own family and those around the world smile 😃🙌🏼👊🏼😉 Peace & Blessings!
I have a hard time jumping to the conclusion they did that because of his race. But there is no doubt in my mind he was profiled for some reason and they ganged up on him because he was so calm and collected. There’s absolutely no way I would have been so chill and let them take my coat without the cops being called first. It would have made me fell violated in so many ways. I’m glad he’s not letting it go and hopes he gets compensated for being humiliated and treated so disrespectfully especially after they realize they were in the wrong. Just don’t know what’s wrong with people anymore. Makes me so sad for him.
Tweeted with this comment: @iammoshow WTF??? James´s been accused of stealing his own jacket??? #BlackLivesMatter , if he was white this surely wouldn´t have happened, I guess!!! 🤬🤬🤬And yes, where did they wanna scan the jacket at all without cash code??? THIS IS FU**ING SICK!!!
I would never have taken my coat off for them to "prove" It was up to them to prove it was theirs. I would have insisted that they call the police if they believe i stole it but never would i have taken it off.. Smug rat bastards.
It says 3 employees were fired, but there were 3 in the video & one in the background so it makes me wonder which of them got fired because thw district manager definitely should've been on that list.
The company ultimately did right by Mr. Conley but now that he is suing, this kinda cheapens the whole thing.
They took the appropriate steps and terminated the 3 employees. To follow up with a lawsuit against the store is inappropriate and morally wrong.
So why don't we have a conversation about how to fix the problems instead of automatically throwing ourselves into categories and figuring out who to blame? If the underlying attitudes aren't called into account then we will never be able to adjust our minds to form empathic viewpoints of one another. We can point out facts from past experiences and decades of mistreatment, but tell me how that is advancing the discussion? Accountability is something that must be demanded. Otherwise, we are doing nothing to show the next generation what must happen in order for us to "think" about each other differently in order to "treat" each other differently. You can tell someone how to act all day long but if you do not build a foundation of thought then you have failed before you start.
I just can't believe they accused him of stealing a jacket for no other reason than that he was Black.
They don't mess around at Old Navy - three staff terminated. I am going to assume that this means they were fired as opposed to killed. Glad that the company took this seriously and bravo to James.
The manager lady should have apologised. Maybe her horse was so high she couldn't ascend.
Messed up but the hold thing about it they wouldn't do it to there own and there own would be the one takening it
Glad they were fired, usually they just "get retrained" or some b******t!
I do hope the Store Manager was one of those terminated.His dismissive attitude was very rude,very unacceptable.
I would Sue them ,and call NAACP.. that's a disgrace . He was calm about it.i would have been arrested! What about his jeans ? His shirt? If he frequents Old Navÿ I'm sure he has other clothes from there.. wants a f****d up experience ,Boycott Old Navy
Given the apology and actions taken of firing the three employees involved, I would hope the lawsuits don’t go forward. The company did the right thing.
They lost their jobs over the cost of a jacket. How dumb of the employees.
I'm very gratified to hear that the store terminated the employees. I hope that their epic failure to be professional follows their career. I'd like to see The Gap step up a bit further but I honestly don't know what that would look like.
I think that young man is a true gentleman with class and great wisdom. Good job parents!!
My other comments notwithstanding, I don't think this young man should file a Civil Rights Violation case against Old Navy OR file a lawsuit for any monetary assessment against O.N., but that's just me. O.N. made right by apologizing to this young Man and terminating those who were involved in this matter, so if the OP pursues it any further it just goes to show greed in HIS part since he didn't "suffer" anything more than some inconvenience and aggravation by the incident. Had the employees involved come clean and apologizing PROFUSELY after ADMITTING their mistakes, given time off without pay and re-training would have been an appropriate disciplinary action, providing this was an isolated incident for each of them. However, IF this had happened before, then termination would have been appropriate. But civil suits and a lawsuit? Greed and egregious on the customers part if he goes through with either of them. Just my $0.02 on the subject.
I'm sorry this happened to you sir. 1st thing I would have done is ask to see the video at the entrance to see me walk in, Although I agree they were in the wrong 100% not sure they stereotyped but I dislike Old Navy anyway I think all their employees act like they are too good for anyone. I am glad they were all fired.
If the company terminated the employees after finding out, don't file charges against the company. That's just petty and stupid. F**k the fired employees over even further.
They deserved to be fired! There are federal laws about situations like the one above! Old Navy is probably going to be paying out a lot of money once he sues!
Were the 3 employees REALLY fired, or are they jusy trying to save face? I think all 3 should be in jail....
Sue their f&*king azz off. The only way to change these aholes is to make them pay. And the people who were terminated, sue them also since they were the actual perps. Make sure them names and photos are published like sex offenders are exposed to the public. Make these racist POS imbeciles pay in every possible way.
I'm from Iowa and I find that attitude and treatment of Mr. Conley unacceptable and embarrassing. I don't blame him in the least for filing a civil rights complaint and lawsuit. I wish him success with that. Does Moines is a HUGE college town. They treat the students better there than the people who live there year round. I wouldn't live there if you paid me.
James honey, you were right to call them out. In any case, the quality of Old Navy clothes is terrible. You deserve better!
I hope he wins his suit against them. Regardless of the store following up after the matter, this went all the way up to a 2nd manager on duty, and all of them should have been trained NEVER to treat a customer this way. Unbelievable. Wait... actually, it's not unbelievable. It's just incredibly sad and disgusting.
He did great! What bullcrap that they accused you! Take it to the end game! Glad those finks got fired!
If you think someone is stealing just let them leave so you can keep your job.
WTF! If I walked in a store and was accused of stealing their blue jacket I'd got for Christmas, I'd be furious, too. He seems like a really nice guy. So glad he filmed this, because you have to see it to believe it. Had they been paying closer attention to this customer and offering him service when he entered the store, they would have known he had walked in wearing it. Not good enough to notice when he walked in, but good enough to notice when he came to pay for something. S**t staff simply because of that - and more so because of their own lack of observation and taking the lazy way out to scan jackets they sell instead of being alert. With the 3 they hired, they need one on the door at all times to avoid stupidity like this in the future as it would be cheaper than all the black customers' business they have forever lost as a result. He did so well. I would have gone off my head! They were hardly appealing staff regardless - unfriendly and unsmiling and belligerent.
Oh - they weren't being RACIST - no - they thought you PERSONALLY were "looking like a criminal". No RACIAL profiling involved at all, see?
The “We’re Hiring” sign adds that extra touch. I’m glad they lost their jobs.
Very respectful and calm through it all. That is a damn shame that this still happens.
Grow up! It happens all the time to whites too. I used to work for a chain of retail stores and for better or for worse everyone of all colors at one time or another was profiled...usually it was teenager kids (again of all colors, shapes, and economic backgrounds)...you have to ask was this guy doing anything to stand out and make people take notice? Surely a company as liberal as Old Navy wouldn't just start profiling this black man because he walked into the store...his actions garnered some attention in his direction
that's so racist. but at least they apologized after the incident and fired those involved.Everyone deserves to be treated equally .It's the 21st century for heavens sake
That sucks!!!! At least after noticing that they had made a mistake they should have apologized :-(
Bless him what an awful and degrading thing to happen to a lovely young man, so glad they were all fired they are a bloody disgrace. Much love and hugs 🤗 to you James and how dignified you were during this absolute service you recieved xxx
James is to be commended for his handling of the situation which easily could have gotten out of hand. Compliments to Old Navy also for taking the matter seriously and terminating those 3 employees. It's just a sad fact that so much bigotry and suspicion still exists between us. Would that we could all just be kind to each other.
I wonder what kind of agitation make people become racist. It is like a phobia? What advantage to be racist? I never experiences this kind of hatred but I could see it from black people turned over me as I am white. I think we should all pass over the past, people in front of us are not guilty for our traumas or ancestors traumas in the past. Lets just give the chance to hope and tolerance
I think that I would go back to the store to see if the offending employees have really been fired.
You can tell from James' tone of voice how hurt he was when the store personnel impugned his honor for no good reason whatsoever. I think Old Navy better come forth with more than firing the perpetrators and apologizing. They need to do something positive to repair the breech. If I cannot even wear clothing bought at a store to the store, then I am not going to be shopping there. Ever.
I just wondering if anyone checked to see if they really fired the 3 employees? I would Sue also. He has proof!
Same c**p, different day in Black America. I've been wearing mink coats and carrying Gucci bags and been profiled by minimum-wage, security guards who followed Me around stores including Norma Kamali (I was there to BUY My maid of honor's gown for My wedding), Bonwit Teller, and Sachs Fifth Avenue in Manhattan - NYC. The ignorance of racists knows no bounds - hence your president - and certainly no decency because they actually believe that they don't have anything to apologize for. Now, when I encounter such insidious behavior, I loudly command them to carry My bags if they are going to follow Me around the store. I am SO happy We live in the age of technology where We can PROVE the monsters' offenses. Old Navy is not stupid. Firing those employees will save their butts publicly, monetarily, and legally.
He should file a lawsuit, I have had a similar experience, when I was just 18 and on a first date. It was humiliating and I can understand his emotions. Definitely make them pay for it!!
I SAW 2 EMPLOYEES, THE MANAGER AND ABOVE WHO DESERVED TO BE FIRED THE CLERK WAS JUST DOING WHAT SHE WAS TOLD, BUT THEY WERE VISABLY UPSET THEY LOST THE CHALLENGE, ACCUSING PEOPLE WITHOUT JUST CAUSE IS NOT A GAME. SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE MANAGER AND ANYONE ABOVE WHO PUSHED IT THIS FAR AND THEN DID NOT APOLOGIZE AND OFFER SOMETHING. NOW IT'LL COST EM.
Wow, how could he stay so calm?! I'm livid and don't even know this guy.! How ignorant are they?!!! I surely hope they were fired and that they are sued for millions. I will NEVER go into another old Navy .!!
James handled the situation very well. I would have came unglued if I had witnessed this. Unbelievable. I’m glad that the people involved were fired and that the company apologized.
Mr. Conley was absolutely right, and the store employees were absolutely wrong. That manager behind the counter KNEW he had done something wrong because he not only didn't offer an apology, but he didn't have the courage to even look at Conley. While it is a good sign that all three were fired, the company failed because it didn't train those employees properly in the first place. If it was just one employee, it would be a little less bad, but three? Sue the company! A nice, public lawsuit will be a warning to ALL companies that even passively allow this type of profiling.
That is pathetic, to not even apologize? I would have offered James a gift voucher for his inconvenience, could have saved them millions in the long run. Well done James for handling the situation with dignity and not getting angry. Don't get angry-get even.
That really is pathetic, to not even apologize? I would have offered him a gift voucher as well, could have saved them millions in the long run. Well done to James for handling the situation with dignity and not getting angry, don't get angry-get even.
I'm glad James videoed the event. That is so shabby, and they never apologized. What asses! Sadly this is not a surprise in the current political climate. I'm glad they got fired.
I'm glad that James videoed this event. It was incredibly shabby that none of the employees apologized for treating him that way, for obviously profiling him. And I'm glad they got fired. Sadly, this behavior is more common these days with the current political climate.
When will this kind of nonsense stop - and saying that all kinds of people steal is never an excuse. Do we all need to carry receipts for what we wear? I think not and neither should people of colour be treated any different to anyone else. This gentleman should indeed take action to enforce the important civil rights lesson here and if he chooses to sue for the embarrassment suffered, that is also his right. Retailers - wake up and smell the coffee! Figure out a better way to do business. Is not the standard of proof of theft that an observer must see the actual deed and that the person must leave the store to prove intent even then?
Firing should have started at the top and worked their way down. Maybe before accusing him, you should have checked your damn surveillance tape to check whether you were f*****g wrong. BEFORE ACCUSING HIM!!!!
What a load of crock. Scanning to see if it was stolen. Man do not shop at Old Navy.
Couldn't she have seen by how worn the tag was in the jacket, she could barely read the numbers that showed it wasn't new!
Filing lawsuits will only serve to raise prices at all the stores. The three employees were terminated. That should be sufficient.
Old Navy says they fired the 3 involved not sure if I believe them. They could have just been transferred. I work in retail and I know this happens. Also you can't scan an item to see if it's been paid for they were just BS. When you scan it, it will just tell you the price. All of this is a joke the store I work for would rather you walk out with something you may have stolen rather than lose your business. These people are idiots.
She wouldn't give up even after she tried to look at the tag and she couldn't tell by how worn the numbers are on the tag that it wasn't a new jacket?
There's no way to say if a White or Asian or Mexican, etc., walked in with the same jacket on, that they were not treated/accused the same way. I don't like when the "race card" is always played in circumstances like this. Yes, they store employees were wrong in every way, but was it motivated by his color? I would like to think NOT, but more so from stupidity on their part. I feel sorry for the guy to go through that, but he was taking it pretty well, laughing about it and all. Most would be fired up, and not so happy about being treated that way. Anyway, I'm glad the employees were terminated, because that was SO wrong, and SO unprofessional to do to ANYBODY!!!
A young black man who had purchased a shirt at Eddie Bauer and wore it the next day -- went back to the store to do more shopping. They asked him for a receipt and when he did not have one (it was HOME) they made him take off his shirt and leave the store -- he had to go HOME and get the receipt!! He sued- and won to the tune of 6 million dollars.
I don;t know how he kept his cool thru all that especially that arrogant douchebag "manager". Hope he gets rich off his lawsuit.
Firing isn't enough. They should be sued individually. Hit them where their money is so it'll affect them at the core. Their faces on billboards in their hometown. In other words let them experience the things that you do as a black man in a white world. If they had done that to my husband they would be hurting.. and make sure it was something I never forgot. It makes me so mad that people like that in our world still exist.
Sorry. Too little, too late. If they did this to James Conley III, you know many others have been profiled and treated badly. It's far past time this sort of thing ends. the color of one's skin has no bearing on anything! I believe a lawsuit should be filed. Not shopping at the Gap or Old Navy again.
Conley obviously won this one. He got three people fired and he got an apology. There is no reason for a lawsuit other than greed.
That was just plain WRONG. I go to Old Navy often and I am often wearing Old Navy clothing in the store and have NEVER been detained or even asked about it. I am sure this was racial profiling. I hope they all got fired! BTW, I am a white female. More proof that it was profiling.
It's a sad fact that profiling is done, because ... watch your local news. Sometimes a negative stereotype has deep roots. This never should have happened, but I'm pretty certain there's reason for their behavior. How many people did try to walk out with items they didn't pay for? I was in retail for a number of years, and stores in different parts of a community have a greater chance of theft. And that is not racial profiling. If this young man was decent, he wouldn't take this to the extreme. But that's our society today - guilt 'em till they pay the f' up. This is going to get me banned ... but that is my opinion.
You go James. To court if you must. Damages and more damages. Creeps.
I think all those responsible for their reprehensible behavior should publically apologize to that young man. He was targeted because he was black. How dare they assume in this day and age that they can classify someone for his color. I applaud his behavior, as it must have been very difficult to keep his composure.
Well, I am one white woman who will never shop at an Old Navy ever again. I marched in the Civil Rights movements in the 1960's and still fight for Civil Rights.
White Redneck here. They treat me poorly as well. I'm just white trash to them. I never shop at Old Navy anymore. You ain't alone bro.
James southerly right! They racially profiled him! Then, they didn’t even have the grace or sense of decency, to apologize to him!! I will never shop at old navy.. ever. I can just bet it has happened before, somewhere else,too. I hope he files, a lawsuit,and I reverently hope, he wins! He deserves to! More people need to file charges when this happens! It’s a violation of his civil, and human rights!
How about a nice pole of money to make you feel better? That would be a lot easier than a lawsuit. Maybe 20 Grand?.
SHAME on those Old Navy employees! Like something out of the Old South.
Corporate handled the manner quickly and publicly. I don't think a Civil lawsuit is warranted. At most, maybe Old Navy should look at how new employees are trained to make sure this doesn't happen again, but I don't think a lawsuit is necessary. Had Old Navy made excuses or left the people employed then yes calling them out with a Civil lawsuit would be appropriate.
Unless I saw him take it I wouldn't say anything...a minimum wage job is not worth that effort...Also they would not be able to tell if he bought the coat by typing in a number on the inside of the coat. It's old navy they get hundreds of items of stock in a week. There is no way they would enter them all in individually into the system. It doesn't work that way. They were just thinking he would cave and confess
Very disappointed in Old Navy. I like their products but won’t be shopping there again.
How sad, I am glad they were fired...they should not get hired anywhere else...
And I don't think it matters if he is black, red or white. I am totally white, and I also have happened to be in a similar situation (wrongly treated as a thief). I think you put to much emphasis on skin colour. There are many reasons (not only racism) that people act one way or another.
I thought that store manager was very rude he wouldn't even look at him. I think he has a case and he should go for it. I do not like Old Navy and will not shop there.
It is wrong for the salesman to accuse someone of stealing without any prove. And it is very wrong to not apologize later. So, deservedly, they lost their jobs. However, who of us doesn't commit a mistake here and there? So do you really think these people deserve to be publicly exposed and condemned forever? Because what is posted on the internet stays on the internet. Forever. So, in my opinion, these salesperson were wrong, but what the client did was way, way worse. No reason to congratulate.
The company did a good job with their actions so why a law suit? Just cause you can doesn’t mean you should, old navy took reasonable action in my opinion.
I think they were just checking if he did steal it, if it was a white female I hope they would have done the same thing. If not then they were 100% racist
I would have flat out refused to remove the jacket and walked out the door.
This s**t has been going on forever, but now these disgusting pigs feel emboldened to just flat out be racsists because super creeps who we’ve somehow elected have mainstreamed the lowest rascist trash. Sue the f**k out if them.
i hope he starts a gofund me to pay for a lawyer to sue the f**k out of "old navy"
thats called raising generations of racists. these white people have been conditioned since childhood to fear and be wary towards black or other minorities. i see this all time in a white community as an Asian guy. i see you side-eyeing me with your privilege b******t.
Mr. Conley should file a discrimination suit! Especially even after seeing that the customer is innocent the management did not apologize . Such an insult in front of other customers is way too much to bear for a non-guilty person.
Deplorable. I worked retail security for years and this across the board is against every policy. Sue away sir. I would be too. This is b******t.
I am utterly astonished at the ignorance in these posts. This man had a terrible thing happen PERIOD. No matter what the skin color. EVERYONE deserves the benefit of the doubt. Old Navy should be having these people apologize to him first to his face, then they get the axe. This gentlemen had amazing composure, if that were me in his place, i'd probable have climbed over the counter and probably gone to jail for a different reason instead of shoplifting. And to make him pay for the garment and to watch the tape and not even offer an apology. Well. This guy won't be shopping there anymore.
How would any of us feel if this happened to us. Good for Me. Conley for taking them to court. Glad the mgrs and clerk were fired at least. Glad the store apologized albeit after the fact. But this happens to black people all the time. Outrageous. How embarrassing and annoying for this young man.
So ridiculous, being a fan of Old Navy for years and wearing their clothes..I guess we should Not wear Old Navy clothes when shopping at Old Navy. This should have not happened and so unfair how they treated this poor customer. I am so glad he told them to watch the video of him entering the store with the blue jacket- I hope the manager stomach got sick when she saw that and realized how wrong they were and how badly they treated this Old Navy Customer.
Legally they are not allowed to stop you for the store. ALso someone has to have actually seen you take the merchandise, and since you were still in the store they had no right. I hope you use their butts off. False accusations, harassment, illegal search and holding. Good luck.
I would never have taken that jacket off. I would have insisted they prove I stole it. And I would have done just like he did, and recorded it.
That is not racism as you don't know if she did it with somebody else or not. The racism card is getting too stupid right now.
100% profiling.... ignorant white trash...... don't worry though they will be out of jobs in the next year or so..... old navy is old and is going to go bankrupt.... cheap products...
Yep--looks like racial profiling for sure!! What do we expect with a president who encourages racism. Its like a disease--it spreads from the top down. Very sad. Our country needs to progress, not fall back another hundred years -----
GOOD!!!! -- i hope he takes them all to the cleaners-- no one should be treated that way -- Damm a*s holes
Super awesome this guy didn't just let them walk all over him, and took a stand for himself and everyone else being profiled like this. 'Terminating' sounds a tad extreme, though…couldn't they have just said 'fired'?
If the store had a floor walker, i.e., security on the floor, said employee should have been able to verify his story. Security cameras are good, but a trained floor walker is a useful addition, being closer to the action, so to speak.
I hope you win and then use your winnings to buy a coffee from them at the McDonald's they're working at.
This unfortunate situation was caught on tape. Pity that many others like this weren't addressed given the store's "policy" regarding scanning incoming Old Navy clothing. BTW, it seems more likely that people who like and wear Old Navy brand are going to be shopping there. If you need theft protection, hire trained professionals.......don't rely on personnel who aren't properly trained in your mission and policies.
The worst part is that they didn't apologize, they should be ashamed but if they are not that only means that's a common practice!
Anyone should be pissed about being treated like that. Thing is... there is no proof any of this had to do with him being black. We should absolutely punish racism but it should not be as simple as saying "racism". Doing that will just dilute real racism events and make people less likely to respond.
I totally agree with James. Glad the store stepped up and took action. I am sorry for his experience.
How is it that a barely above minimum wage employee has such a huge sense of entitlement? I'm glad these employees were fired. And when the are interviewed by another company, let's see how they answer "and why did you leave your last job?"
I feel so bad for him, and I'm so sorry he had that experience. God Bless You For being cool headed, ( I would have gone off on them if in your shoes!) and exposing them!
My old biker boyfriend, 6'4", bald and tough looking (a teacher for special kids in L.A. with a history of violence- he lost one or two kids every semester) was accused of robbing a jewelry store the night before by the owner of the store. It was the first time he'd been in that store. Oh yeah, and he is white!
James, I am so sorry this happened to you!!! I am a middle aged Hispanic woman and had a similar incident happen to me almost 30 years ago in downtown Chicago and all of the emotions I was feeling at that time still anger me to this very day!! I wish I could say that I handled it as diplomatically as you did. I commend you on being the bigger person in every way!! God Bless and fight the fight!! They should not be able to get away with this and I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER THING FROM OLD NAVY!!!!!
the man was highly mistreated and embarrassed for no reason whatsoever because of the color of his skin. If the rag tag employees had of greeted him as a customer they would have noticed what the young man was wearing. Glad they lost their jobs and hope he gets paid for their foolishness. Probably not their first time pulling this kind of stunts. I don't know how I would have reacted!!!
Powerful story and presentation James Conley III. So sad that you had to go through this. There are too many cases of discrimination against black people all over the world. Gad, there's too much discrimination. Good luck. but if the company fired the offending staff and presented you with a public apology, then address the offenders and not the company....even though the company has more money. It's not about money is it? It's about encouraging education and creating opportuities for all! Start a fund, for this m aybe.....
Shame on them. He could not even look at that young man and apologize for their stupidity. Shame on them. I am glad old navy terminated them cause I was just about to stop purchasing from them. Young man good for you for keeping your cool and standing up for your rights.
So they think it's ok to demand on customers to undress in front of them?! As a teen I was working in similar shop during the summer and we were told by the managers that we have to profiling Roma people, keep an eye on them and following them through the shop and when we were hiring, we supposed to throw away the CVs of Roma people ... it was disgusting and when I complain to CEOs of the whole brand, they answer that its alright, cause "gypsies steals" ... So I left. :/
If the clothing has been paid for then the security tags would have been removed upon purchase. At most stores the alarms will go off if security tags have no been removed. This particular store should check their security systems. This is bad store management and they should fix it to prevent further embarrassment for all parties concerned.
He needs to set them as an example of what won’t be tolerated! It doesn’t matter if these 3 employees were fired. That does not excuse the fact that this man was accused of stealing based off the fact he was black!! I hope he does sue, because until you hit them where it hurts (pockets) it’ll just be another random incident. 😩😡
When I was a teen, my mates and I went Christmas Shopping. We were a mix of different races. One of my mates, who happened to be Muslim was stopped for checking. Se had bought a makeup set from that store half an hour ago and we also bought something from that store. They checked my bag and said 'ok' but they made my friend stay and she had to prove she bought the makeup set. We were just standing watching her panic because she had lost the receipt and hoping she didn't have to pay again. Sure, many might say it's because we were teens and it was Christmas time but to check my bag and say 'ok' but tell the other one to prove something is ridiculous
It doesn't matter if the employees apologized for racial profiling. If they did apologize and it were accepted it would only reinforce the misconception that an accepted apology is a "get out of jail free card" Terminating employment is the only real way to get it in the former employees heads that they cant do that.
well I think that woman looks like a pig and the guy looks like my pet shih tzu, apologies to the pig and to my pet
If they had of looked at the security tapes first they would have seen him walk in wearing the coat. He was so calm and well behaved in a really nasty situation. Good on him. Glad they got sacked for being rude and racist. Good luck in court. These examples require action so this behaviour stops. We are all HUMAN. Skin colour is irrelevant
James i am so sorry you have to go through this all the time. I am white gay woman. so i know that what i know about prejudice is minuscule compared to what you know. ( sorry that is a bad sentence but i don't know how else to say it ) - i can hide the gay part. You cannot hide your skin. It takes real courage to protest this s**t. It is exhausting to continually fight this damn s**t that our culture should be over already. I really, really hope stuff gets better for you.
They would never apologize if they were sure this incident could be sunk in impunity. They are trying to make ammends and giving the boot to their employees to save their own corporative as* . Not that the "welcome environment" mumbo jumbo really means something to them. So glad for cameras on cellphones and public opinion. Power for people!!!
Typical racist attitude. Black people never have money we just steal everything we want. The apology submitted after the issue is ridiculous. What even gave them the right to question something he was wearing without proof of it being taken? A civil suit should be filed and I hope he wins.
At what point did they mention that they were treating him that way because he was black?
No one should be that stupid to present such a moronic view but here you are to prove someone is exactly that stupid. He said they didn't check the other non blacks with the same coat. Too much for you to comprehend? Have an adult explain it to you.
Load More Replies...Disappointing world... :'( Racism should be left in the past. I mean, it's 2018! :O
Omg. Wow. Reminds me of similar stuff I saw at my Old Navy. They totally profile people. I never went back after I witnessed less happen to someone else. And was uncomfortable looking at clothes cause they wouldn't stop dogging me until I skittered to the children's section. I took my grandma's Christmas gift money and went to Hot Topic from that day forward. Got a bunch more stuff for the same amount too.
Old Navy did what they should have done. They fired the employees in question, who in fact, should never have been hired. He shouldn't sue. Had ON not fired the employees, then yes. They did. Let it go.
I think James was a true gentleman the way he handled the situation. I’m sure it was very degrading for him and not one apology from those three. Deplorable! I think the only way to stop this blatant racism is a civil lawsuit.
I think it happens more often than reported, to every race, committed by every race. Everyone needs to stop the hate. https://www.opposingviews.com/i/social/these-two-fast-food-employees-looked-customer-right-eye-and-called-him-white-boy-they-didnt?utm_source=swn&utm_medium=facebook
All I know we are in the 21st century then why do some people in your country still are recist when in fact the former US Pres Obama is the first black American who served you people who were UNFAIR TO THIS YOUNG MAN. iN THE EYES OF GOD the three of you got your KARMA. Getting another job is SCARSE SO BETTER BE GOOD NXT TIME....
I'm glad Old Navy took the correct stance by publicly addressing the issue and firing the culpable employees but someone, somewhere did not do a thorough enough job of making sure that employees understand their (presumed) corporate values. As they often do, a law suit (whether it involves a payout or not) will sting enough so that Old Navy / The Gap will make damned sure this never happens again. It never should have in the first place.
sue the s**t out of them.....maybe next time these stores will think twice
I'm glad to hear the offensive employees have had their employment terminated however I am at a loss to understand what sort of damages the young man suffered that would require monetary compensation.
At first I thought why bother suing I'd be satisfied with the 3 employees getting the sack but then another person's comment on here made a very good point about if the fella hadn't recorded what had just happened Old Navy probably wouldn't of believed him either so yep Sue them for the harassment & defermation they put on him...
Unbelievable the attitudes of those employees. Glad they were fired, but I think he should go ahead and file his complaints. There should be no tolerance for this behavior in this day anywhere and people need to start paying and not just apologizing. Take a stand.
Well, it kind of makes you afraid to wear clothing you bought in that store or any store for that matter. That had to be embarrassing for him or anyone with him. I can't believe they checked the jacket and still wanted him to pay for it. I know the said they fired the ones involved but the harm is already done.
Identity politics again. All black people are good, all white people are racist etc. Wouldn't have been a story had the races been reversed.
So true Paul, it's the racist Old Navy ex-employees that are the true victims in all of this.
Load More Replies...Old Navy should give him a lifetime of free shopping! This is unconscionable!
I would love to see the video of the 3 or 4 hours before Mr. Conely came through to see if they asked ANYONE ELSE if they could check their tags! That would be very interesting, don't 'ya think? Hmmmm? LOL
So disrespectful to this young man. Being accused of theft without any reason other than he was wearing the store brand of coat. The store should be thankful someone is wearing their product and about to buy more. This was profiling, racism without a doubt and firing staff isn't enough. Three people working all with the same attitude to me means this company has issues at a higher level and a lawsuit might shake the tree. Disgusting and degrading !!
Old Navy has never been my favorite store but the fact that the manager wouldn’t even look at this young man or admit he was wrong was deplorable for any service industry. We pay your paycheck dumbshit, and pretty much anyone could be a manager there after 6 months so stop thinking you’re all that. Just because racism is the new norm doesn’t mean you have to conform and become one!
I can't believe that the manager couldn't even look at him and say he is sorry at the end. Disgusting and so wrong on so many levels. Sometimes I really have such a hard time accepting what I hear and see, my brain just refuses to believe that people like this exist, so sad.
I am curious what the argument was to repay the jacket, then they must have seen it was sold..."Yes sir can you please pay again for the jacket? yes sir we are greedy AF"
This is absolutely disgusting. Good lad for documenting what was happening. I'm really glad those c**ts were sacked. Vile creatures.
This happened to me at a store back in 1979 I had a credit card with them they grabbed me and my friend had us in the back room i wanted to call my mom to bring the receipt they wouldn't let me call her after an hour of interrogations in back rm they finally realized they didn't carry anything like my coat they never apologized so what I should have done was contacted a lawyer but being 20 yrs old I didn't know but the next day I went in with my credit card from their store cut it up in front of them and let everyone in store know what they did to me
racist whites never learn...Old Navy should have done more than just firing their racist asses...compensation for having his human rights violated...I really do hope he does file suit...no one deserves this kind of vile treatment.
The behaviour of those salespeople is despicable! And telling on them the right thing to do. I sometimes just wish, that people would give other people the chance to think about what they did, before posting their pictures and names on the internet. Maybe beeing fired will actually help them to think already, without being publicly shamed forever
The scanning part confuses me. Did they scan an identical coat and check inventory? Did he walk into a store with a tag still on his coat and they scanned *that* tag? I just don't see how scanning something would confirm that he purchased it or not unless it's something like the stickers they put on cosmetics in large dept stores like Dillard's to show it has been paid for.
Too little, too late Old Navy! My hope is that James gets his day in court. Thank goodness for smart phones! So glad we stopped shopping there!
i wouldn't have bought the stuff or I would have returned it before leaving the store and not spent one cent i there .no way would i have spent 1 penny there after this.
And those bitches ( yes including the manager ) being so rude, indignant, and self righteous little c*nts about the whole thing.. Lets make their faces go viral as hell..
That sucks man!!! First of all, you have a righteous last name so that is the first mistake they made. Second of all, you are right there PAYING for your merchandise so why would you steal a jacket?? I think you should take them to task and demand an apology!! Since when do we have to prove that the clothing we wore IN to the store is paid for? I would never shop there again and would tell all my friends and family to not shop there either.
Go for it!!! They deserve it... upper stiff lip is not a response get them to assume and suffer where is more painful THE POCKET...
Shouldn't and doesn't matter what colour this guy is they disrespected him in public I'm glad they were dismissed in the end but it shouldn't of happened in the first placed and they didn't even apologise to the guy Take them for every single thing you can get it's all they understand hit them the only place it will hurt in their wallet good luck to you
I've been through very, VERY similar experiences as a Black woman in these United Snakes, and I can tell you - what those employees did they were TOLD TO DO from on high. When I was undeniably (in other words when the big boys couldn't hide it anymore) racially victimized by a business they told me also - "That employee has been FIRED!" In other words...the employees are told to lay low; stay out of sight; and when the attention and commotion die down - they'll just be hired or placed in another location at the same business owned by the folks claiming they're fired...and their position will always be an even easier, BETTER PAYING position than the one they were just "fired from"...yeah, right.
Sin. It's what's always been wrong with the world.
Load More Replies...Those employees should never be allowed to work in any Customer Service position. So glad you recorded it James.
Well done the company, to the sacked employees-may you never ever get further employment in a customer facing position . A disgraceful situation
I would sue Old Navy for damages! What their employees did was beyond stupid! They are probably guilty of other unreported offenses. Glad Old Navy fired their stupid asses.
Go for it, James. The apology etc is all very nice, but until it impacts their bank account, this s**t goes around and around and around. Winning in court may not end the spiral, but it's good push back. Big up yourself, as they like to say in Jamaica, mahn.
Racial profiling is stupid. Worked at a Waffle House in Longview, had servers who were rude to their customers, because of the colour of their skin. In my experience, you give folks a chance, show respect, you won't have problems.
Are you effin serious??? Hey i bought some underwear and bras there u want me to strip so you can scan that too? I've never heard a that one before an I live right down the rd to an Old Navy For the record I'm not black an I agree with this guy That was racist He judged it by the look a the guy an that was wrong At least those dumbshits were fired
I'd still sue; he should get his local ACLU chapter involved as well since they'll likely provide free legal representation...
I hope he wins his lawsuit and takes them from everything he can because they deserve to be sued to the hilt.
You can't proove it was racial profiling and tbh I don't care. They were in the wrong to accuse him of stealing and that's it, no one should have to go through that. We don't have a big black community where I'm from so all this "racial profiling" is weird for me. I'm not being racist with this comment.
Yes, you are being racist with your comment because your eyes are closed. You're as much of the problem as anyone. The store's behavior was racist because they didn't flag the white customers who also had Old Navy gear on from a previous purchase. I guess you missed that part of the story?
Load More Replies...I USED TO shop at old navy, but won't anymore. This never happens to me in Chicago, but I'm very light skinned and usually have my biracial child with me.
Not acceptable at all...very bad form Old Navy...no apology and then asked to not video ...bad ...sad...makes me mad 😡....a law suit should be filed ....the culprits were fired really ....but not good enough ...sorry you had such a bad experience...not all the stores are like this !
Not good! Glad they were fired! They could at least have scanned and checked video before they made their accusations? And, in spite of their personal embarrassment, they could have apologized to the customer for their mistake and having caused him so much embarrassment?
It would probably come up in the law suit (IANAL).
Load More Replies...Life would be so much easier when all this stupid people understand that black is just a color, we are all humans, and should never be guilty just because of a skin color. Sad...
BTW can someone explain, will the civil lawsuit be against the employees or the company?
Normally, all defendants will be named in a civil litigation suit, but it depends on the scope of the case. In this case, poorly paid or unpaid ex-employees may not have any resources to contribute and may not be listed unless the ACLU takes the case. They would want to see the perps in court.
Load More Replies...Hurray for James! Much applause! James, you assessed the situation correctly and you stood up for yourself effectively. Bizarrely, there are people who deny this kind of bigotry still exists, but it does as your experience and evidence show. I hope you do pursue further legal action. This stupidity should have ended a long, long time ago. But not at all laughable. Cheering! Yay James! Excelsior!
At least, at the company level, they reacted the right way! It doesn't look like a company wide policy. I have no bias, I don't even live in the US.
Load More Replies...Right. He’s filing a civil rights complaint and lawsuit because he was so irreparably and emotionally damaged from the incident! After laughing about it and totally posting it on line because HE felt so ASHAMED by the way Old Navy employees (who LOST THEIR F*****G JOBS FOR WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN JUST A MISUNDERSTANDING BUT GOT TURNED INTO A RACIAL INCIDENT) treated HIM! I hope they award him NOTHING and make him pay for court costs. Because I was right there with him up until THAT LAST BIT WHERE HE WANTS TO MAKE A BUCK FOR DOING NOTHING BUT VIDEOTAPING SOME PEOPLE OUT OF THEIR JOBS. He should have been satisfied with that. I would have been. Just another “victim” trying to make a quick buck. Damn. I already quit FuckBook. Now I need to quit FuckedUp Panda (who won't even post this) because you’re raising my BP for stupid s**t.
Black people see racism in everything, that’s what I think. I frequently being asked to check my bag in clothing stores. Maybe racism exists, but not in this case, for sure. Staff are also people and they make mistakes. I don’t see anything awful, because they thought that this jacked is needed to be purchased.
Whether people realize it or not, you profile every waking moment of your life about everything and everyone you see. When you see someone your brain scans everything about him/her. It's a survival trait. These stores stand to lose a lot from people who shoplift...and there are a lot of shoplifters even among people who have the money to buy. Although all colors shoplift to some degree, blacks do it most often and very often with reckless abandonment. Now if this offends, you too bad. It's a fact. Shoplifters raise the prices on merchandise passing the "savings on to you" the ones who worked for your money and pay for your merchandise. I don't like paying extra for merchandise to offset the loss of people who got it free. The store manager should have checked security cameras before accusing anything.
Just settle it with him by apologizing and giving him some money for false accusation and believe me he will drop the charges immediately because think about these why did he want to take you cult hun obviously it's because you will charge for a higher rate of compensation so to close the case with him just call him and settle him amicably instead of court ok in these case it will all be settled
I am sure this situation is exactly how it was depicted, but why are the white people singled out as the only race to never get stopped for supposed theft? They check my receipt at Walmart every single time I try to leave the store, even though my husband works there, and guess what? I'm white! racial profiling isn't exclusive to one race.
The employees need to be fired for reacially profiling. I’m so glad this young man recorded it all......sounds like a law suit to me. I also hope he did not purchase the hoodies.
Appears to be racially profiling to me....just disgusting. Glad this young man recorded it al.....sounds like a law suit to me.
The store assistants were definitely racist. I can see his point about taking them to court but are they worth the cost? Least he got an apology from Management and assistants were fired, but not an excuse for racism.
OK - apparently if you have dark skin, you BUY your stuff there, but don't dare wear it back IN there. SAD sad sad. One store which will remained un-named where I worked had cameras AND people watching customers. They truly SHOULD have checked things out before they did this.
I would say the company responded appropriately. The customer has gotten the message out (good!). But, if he sued anyone, it should be the employees, not the company. No lawyer will sue them (no pockets), they would want to sue the company (deep pockets). I think a lawsuit at this point would look like a grab for money. Three people appropriately lost their jobs, and it was public enough to increase awareness.
It’s good that they were all fired. But Old Navy clearly needs better training procedures. Including some way to weed out crazy racists. 😠
B******T...Those racists get moved to other stores like ‘fired’ bad cops or predator priests...maybe even suspended for awhile as they’re counting on this customer not returning to their store. Folks of good conscience stay out of moldy Old Navy..cheap, shoddy merchandise...same as the way they treat their minority customers.
I am absolutely appalled this is the 21st Century and still people are being racially vilified because of their colour. To be grateful that they were all fired is not the greatest of reassurances. Those people should have stood in front of this man looked him in the eye and apologised personally. Instead it was left to the company to apologise. That he now wants to proceed with a complaint against them I say and so he should and when they have to shell out for his case, maybe they will understand this is not the way to treat people
Filing lawsuits will only serve to raise prices at all of the stores. The people were terminated. That should be sufficient.
This sounds more like an incompetent store manager and an incompetent checkout clerk than it does racial profiling. If they scanned the jacket, WHAT were they scanning for? If they were scanning for some hidden magnetic device which is scanned at checkout, why didn't this resolve the matter. If it took examining the store's surveillance camera to ensure that he came in wearing the jacket, the store manager should not only have apologized to this customer, she should have offered to sell him all his purchases at cost. It sounds like 3 "I don't care" employees off-handedly performing their duties at a minimum level of competence. If no white customer's clothing was similarly examined, he should definitely file a civil rights complaint and Old Navy should definitely pay damages and be required to report the incident to all of its stores as a horrible example of what not to do. As far as damages are concerned, this seems to be a classic case for punitive damages.
The company fired those involved. The company has supported the customer. No cash hand over required. End of story
Unbelievable!! And that little pimple of a manager didn't even look him in the eye as he asked "Am I free to leave"! RACIST M**O'S
I think the company did the right thing firing the employees, but it is not the company's fault these people behaved in such a way. There is no reason to file a civil suit here. If he isn't just being greedy, then sue the people who did it instead.
Maybe it has nothing to do with skin color, he may have been acting suspiciously or matched another's description. It has happened to me as well!
I think he should stick with the apology from the CEOs as well as be happy for that the employees are fired by now. If he wanna file a lawsuit against anyone, it should be against those 3 people who profiled him and not against the store who actually acted upon the incident when they became aware of it, instead of acting like nothing happened or accused the customer as some top managements does.
I am white and more than once I have had security guards watch my every move, I walked out the store each time without making a purchase. Also nothing on those videos indicated it was racial, yes I agree they were wrong to do what they did, and you can't accuse someone of stealing till they leave the store ( and we're seen picking item off the shelf) but it is wrong to assume it was racist, I have wrongly been accused twice of being racist for the simple reason I am white, I am not saying it was not racist BUT the video clips do not prove it was.
I am sure that James felt humiliated and discriminated against. He absolutely was racially profiled. But upper management, upon hearing about it, immediately fired those involved, and they already have policies against this kind of thing. What else are they supposed to do? How else could they have prevented this from happening? What will a lawsuit teach them? It will cost money and perhaps all employees will sit through a 15-minute video as sensitivity training, and that will cost a little more money, and then they will pass the costs on to us. What was actually solved? I really feel for James. It was messed up what happened to him, and I'm not black so I don't for one second pretend to understand the discrimination that he probably faces every day, but I'm not sure what a lawsuit does to fix the situation.
Old Navy made the correct move. The victimized customer still has every right to sue, but the company (IMO) has done what it could to rectify the situation. I bet they have one big-a*s sensitivity and anti-racism mandatory course soon for all employees, new or old. This man is a hero for those who can't speak out.
So the lesson is, you can never say anything to a black person. They really do need their own city so they can show us whites how to live. Oh wait they do have a city it's called Detroit. They terminated the employees' to keep the blacks happy. What a POS company.
He should totally sue thereby furthering the stereotype that black people scam for money. That way we can start racially profiling them for that too 😂
It's only racists that hold the stereotype that black people scam for money, no matter what he does those people are going to hold that opinion and the one that it's common sense to stop a black man for stealing because he got a nice(ish) jacket on. He just worry about get justice and leave the racists to their views.
Load More Replies...The problem I have with this is that he said he got it for xmas right? its only been a little over a month and he said he has been there a bunch of times since. Does he wear the same jacket every day or go to that store all of them time?
even if he did. maybe he's shopping for gifts for bdays/anniversaries/wedding..who knows why he goes there often. Maybe he's waiting for something to come on sale after xmas. So I wear the same jacket every day. So should I be questioned if I bought my jacket from a walmart??? and walk into a walmart with it on??
Load More Replies...I think that no matter what store you go into, people are people. Some are good people with good values and others are not. Until there is an incident, the store/chain has no idea that it is harboring a racist within its ranks. For that reason, I don't hold Old Navy responsible because it did the right thing, and unlike other stores, it fired them instead of sending them to training. You would have to live in Timbuktu to be unaware of the store policies and how to treat customers. Had the manager and others there bent over backwards IMMEDIATELY apologizing, there might have been a basis for retraining. They should have offered him a substantial discount on anything in the store. So I don't hold Old Navy liable for the dumb asses all stores must hire and keep pending some overt incident. Go ahead and sue but I hope you sue for changes, not bucks.
The store taking immediate action and firing them will more than likely protect them from a big suit. He better settle. If they decide to fight it, they will win.
fired ? good ,,,but not enough,,,take them to court ,,the staff involved i mean,,not the entire company as they seem to have done all they could to rectify the situation..
Really hard to believe these employees were that stupid! But there it is on film. Makes me embarrased to be an old white guy.
Why file against the company...they did their part and fired the employees....the company apologized and took action!
What they did was unacceptable. But at least he got an apology and the offending staff were fired. What I don’t understand is why he has to file a law suit. Then money will compensate for the humiliation??
he should pursue the case. their act is so unacceptable especially not even apologizing. to the 3 fired employees: GOOD RIDDANCE.
I think it's reprehensible that the manager didn't come back out after checking the tape as was Carter's behavior throughout the entire incident and especially the way he wouldn't even look at James' face and was trying to ignore him afterwards. The entire thing was just horrible and the employees just made it all the worse. However, suing for this kind of thing is what is bringing our tort court system to a slow halt and making a joke of our judicial system. At the end of everything James suffered no loss or damages. No one has a right not to be offended and suing because people behaved badly is not a reason to receive whatever hefty sum he'll be asking for in court. The corporation handled things properly and to demand money is just millennial feeling of entitlement. Seriously, what will he say to a judge and jury? "I was offended. Give me money."
Good for firing the ones who did this. Now pay the man for his humiliation.
I get stereotyped shopping all the time. It's humiliating and painful to deal with, probably a big reason why i have severe anxiety. I love shopping too lol.
It is so wrong that in this day and age there are people out there who think it's alright to treat people like that. The colour of your skin does NOT determine what kind of a person you are . Racism of all kinds just has to be abolished. Mind you I bet they wouldn't have done that to Will Smith or Jay-Z☺.
Well, during a lawsuit, there should be a period of discovery and his lawyer will find out if those employees are still with the company. If they are, there will be more hell to pay.
Load More Replies...I don't feel any lawsuits are necessary. The employees were terminated and he was issued an apology. A nice sized gift card would have been a nice addition to the apology. I don't see that it can be proven that it was because he was black. They saw a jacket looking new that is one that sell in the store and they jumped to conclusions. I'm not saying he wasn't profiled but I don't think it can be assumed. But they lost their jobs and that shows that Old Navy was serious about it not being okay. And that's what it should be about, not making money off it.
Why does he think they're racist ? is it because they are white? maybe they were profiling him cuz of his age... i get checked almost every time i touch something and i'm the whitest guy out there lol
Unacceptable, it is your duty to sue for the people who come behind you and are unable to do it for themselve(s). I am white - this stuff still shocks me, stupidity is rampant.
He's a black man in America and didn't realize how widespread racial profiling is? It is a pity and a shame you had to find out this way. Not that it makes the humiliation palatable, but I hope you win a BUNCH of money
Wow how sad is that? This man deserves high praise for keeping his cool while being assaulted by those "employees" if this ever happened to me(it wont because im an old,fat,white guy. In a grocery store maybe) I would be flippin out big time. Go for the civil rights and damages lawsuit. hit em where it hurts in public!
Sue their asses! And I'd be willing to bet that the "three employees" they fired were either entirely fictitious or not the managers who were involved in perpetrating this act (e.g. they "fired" some other low-level clerks who were going to be let go anyway).
Who cares if they were fired? How is that an apology. They should be fired but the dude should’ve been given free s**t for that whole s**t show
I believe he should sue. How humiliating for him it must of been to remove his jacket and have to fight for them to believe him. This company needs to pay for the humiliation they put a honest man through. Shame on old navy and their crappy employees.
Walking out of a "Peaches" music shop years ago, their buzzer sounded and the doors locked me in. "What have you got?" boomed the clerk. "What are you implying?" was my answer. He insisted I put back what I was trying to steal, which was nothing whatsoever. I had a thought, stepped toward him (as he backed away) and placed my pager on the counter and went back through the "detector." Nothing. I should have made him call the police and then sued for unlawful detention but I had things to do.
Definitely, racist stereotyping by the Old Navy employees. Glad Old Navy did the right thing, becausee I don't want to have to boycott them. Lawsuit, I think that is a bit over the top, but I do think Old Navy should give him $500 or so credit at their stores.
I was with him until the lawsuit. The three employees were immediately fired. What dies he wasn't the company to do, to torture them? If there was any indication that this is a systematic issue caused by bad company policies them a lawsuit would make sense, but the customer himself dais this never happened before to him or other black customers.
He got his justice if 3 people were sacked, so he should leave it at that. I think the store rather than terminate the staff ,should keep them on ,and train them to be nice to customers, and be better at service, now they are going to get another job and continue the same practice.
I think them getting fired is enough- I wouldn't file anything further unless they didn't take the appropriate action.
Yeah, I’m white and something similar happened to me recently. Not everythin* is racially motivated.
If blacks didn't steal so often they probably wouldn't be accused of stealing.
I'm pretty sure the color of his skin had nothing to do with this incident and it was simply bad employees.
This would be a much different story if they had called the cops. The cops would shown up and most likely shot this guy for "Stealing" his own coat. Then certain parts of the media would track down every bad thing he has ever done in his life, and use that to justify the cops actions in shooting and killing him. This is what its like to be Black in America. No racism here, nothing to see here folk, please go along your day and be happy you decided to be white when you were born.
I believe he should file suit against the three that profiled him. Not sure if I agree with filing against the company as they did the only thing they could do when it was brought to their attention. They apologized and fired all involved. Would rather see him take the people involved to the cleaners more than the company to be honest. Hit the people that made the decision to harass him and make them never forget him.
Oh boy. Lawsuit because of RACE? Maybe it was because of the jacket. Nowe there will be a hundred or so wearing stuff they got for Christmas, birthday or stolen from some other store, hoping that they will get tagged for theft. And then suit for racism. Better odds than the lottery.
He had a bad experience, one I have never suffered(66 yrs young, white). But I think suing them is a bit much. He got his payback on three people who, understandably, are now unemployed. Enough.
The right to free speech has consequences, just like being a racist has.
Load More Replies...There is no evidence of racially profiling - oh the same hand, the retailer should have had been more aware of the customer going in before they made the assumption that he was stealing. In an environment where so much theft is encountered, EVERYBODY needs to be willing to patiently allow the process of justice and personal liberty.
file the lawsuit and make the complaint. Congratulations that they got fired.
That's not stereotyping. That's thinking they stole a jacket because they sell that jacket in the store. I, a white female, avoid wearing clothes to the store I bought them from for this very reason. Why is everything that goes wrong in a person of colours life racist?
This is WONDERFUL NEWS !!! I hope he is successful because as a white male, the "stereotyping" I am currently very publicly subject too by so many various groups and utilising the same precedent should he win, I am going to be a f*****g millionaire... yay, bring it on !!!
Wow. Are you kidding? I mean for real...are you joking? If you're not you should really be ashamed of yourself for being this ignorant in "these days."
Load More Replies...I am tired of people using the Race card, but this time I wholly agree with the customer. He was embarrassed, because of a bigoted employee. Glad they were fired.
Well, now that we have your stamp of approval that this was a racist incident, I and every Black person in this nation will sleep easy tonight. Thanks, massa.
Load More Replies...Where did anyone say you are black, show us where you paid for that jacket. He's just another racist trying to get rich by screaming their patented RACIST bullchit.
He asked them to watch the video of him coming in the store wearing the Jacket.. does that help you?
Load More Replies...Plot spoiler: this dude has multiple shoplifting convictions. (But that's racist!)
Cite your source, John Smith. (Oh, that's his real name, right?) And, yes, you are coming off as racist. Bravo!
Load More Replies...You're white no questions asked, your not pink beware! The great usa american
The great usa american dream is only for the very rich. Since I've come back to my country in 1970 the usa has not changed one bit. Always as racist as ever. The pinky whites must remember that African people never asked to become slaves! Nothing has ever been done to integrate the slave after the civil war. Lincoln didn't have any plans to have jobs, housing, schooling for the ex-slaves. No wonder that you guys have gone straight into the wall head first. Remember that none of the African people brought over by your forefathers never asked to be put on boats chained like crates to become slaves for you. The states is made up of hypocrites who go to church yet treat none pinky whites like s***e! Your country must grow up or is doomed.
Load More Replies...Did they call him a rasist name? Did they say “You’re a Black, Latino, Purple, Orange, Green, Muslim, Brown, whatever American”? If they did then it’s about race. If not, then it is just about the jacket. I am sooo tired of the bloody “race card”. If the jacket appears to be brand new and from the store obviously a store Clerk will ask. That is our job. Many times people run out of retail stores with our property. The next time you go in, do what so many people have done and wear the tags from the store. It looks completely stupid but if the shopkeeper can’t scan it, then it suprise! Is paid for.
Racism isn't just verbal. It's also behavioral. There were white people with Old Navy clothes on that they'd previously purchased and they weren't stopped or questioned but he was. Also, no one cares how tired you are of the so-called race card because this isn't about you.
Load More Replies...Let it go old mate. They have been fired. Why take it further other than for revenge or to stir shite. Be bigger than that, don’t play the victim card too much..
People like you are part of the ongoing problem. You're very well named, Mal, because you certainly are "bad" news. First of all, James isn't playing a victim card; he was victimized. Secondly, there's nothing wrong with revenge if it's legal and a lawsuit is perfectly legal. It's downright insulting of you to suggest he be the "bigger" person in this situation. When are white people going to be "bigger" instead of the ethical midgets too many of you still are? When are white people, like those employees, going to stop stirring up stuff? Because they are the ones who started all of this, not him. Call me when all of you get YOUR act together and then we will think about taking that higher road you mentioned.
Load More Replies...The law suits should be against the former employees, not the store.
If blacks didn't steal so often they wouldn't be stereotyped as thieves.
White people stole everything from Blacks and natives then claim it as theirs. check your history book. You didnt belong in North America, you didnt belong in Africa either. Youve been stealing lands, culture, spices, food, raping native women, stealing gold in the Africas, to Americas and destroying cultures.
Load More Replies...ok, I understand that this young man was racially profiled, this is wrong and we all know it, Gap who owns old navy took action on the matter by firing the 3 employees involved, now my question, why is this young man filing a civil rights lawsuit? In my opinion, it they ignored the issue he would have every right to file a lawsuit, but in this case no
I think the lawsuit is overkill if they fire the a******s and apologize. Had they not responded swiftly it would be appropriate, but corporate is not responsible for those jerks
Everyone racial profiles everyone. On purpose or subconsciously. Good or bad. That's life. People commenting like they have never racially profiled anyone.
That is a very interesting statement Dan but there is a marked difference between racially profiling and simply assessing another human being standing in front of you. If you think everyone racially profiles everyone you're wrong. They don't. You see another person and see that they're of another color skin...that's it. Nothing beyond that. I don't then automatically start seeing the propensity for criminal activity. Racial profiling has detrimental effects on society because it doesn't take into account any multiples or variables for probablility. It's too broad. The effect then creates this blanket that in my opinion then begets more prejudice.
Load More Replies...White people get to make blacks jump through hoops sometimes. Even when commonsense tells them it's the wrong thing to do, they can't resist. That 3 people could not come to a better conclusion is astonishing.
As s****y as it was I don't think that is right to sue people for being racist. It damages your right to free speech. You can't have the good without allowing the bad also. Or it it ends up not being free speech at all.
The right to free speech has consequences, just like being a racist has.
Load More Replies...File a civil rights complaint so that it is in the record. The lawsuit is perhaps over the top other than to also make sure what happened is part of a public record. The firing of the 3 individuals involved should be sufficient for resolving this particular event - unless there exists some proof that the corporation has been previously supporting or encouraging such practice and just canned 3 employees to get out from under.
So what damages did he actually suffer? What loss? What compensation can make him whole?
That is what a civil lawsuit then becomes and a judge determines. Humiliating experiences are often the base of civil lawsuits and I see this as a good example of a civil lawsuit. In my estimation this is a definite civil lawsuit. While there are many people here saying he shouldn't bring a suit, I disagree. In my mind he was clearly falsely accused. Whether you think it was racially motivated or not (which I believe it was) he was still falsely accused and humiliated. The fact that it appears to be racially motivated is even worse. One must be seen secreting the item they're accused of taking. He was told he wasn't allowed to film. This is also not true. He is allowed to film if nothing else for his own safety in this public place so long as it doesn't violate the privacy of another person. There are several other points I can make but these to me are the most pertinent regarding the initial comment. O.N. was wrong wrong wrong. They should have apologized & genuflected.
Load More Replies...i would want absolute proof these racists were actually fired, and not just moved to another store.
They say they were all fired, but were they, they could have sent to other stores. He should file a complaint, I would.
I disagree about the firing of the employees. I would rather have three employees that made a mistake, underwent correction and training that would then not make the same mistake again. Rather then have three new employees that might make the same mistake. People make mistakes and should be given a chance to make amends.
It stinks. OTOH he helped the store get rid of those employees which is a good thing. Bringing suit against it though just makes it seem that he's trying to make money off of it. He should just be happy with what he accomplished IMO and keep it out there on the web.
I don't agree with you. Yes he should file suite. If this goes to court and he wins this will send out a signal to all the other shops that this type of behavior has to stop.
Load More Replies...It's the 21st century and YOU don't ALLOW your wife to do something? You need to get with the times. She is a free agent not a prisoner, I would imagine.
Load More Replies...Not for u to judge. He is in his right to do so. By the way
Load More Replies...Unfortunately there are racists working all over. The company, if they take action should not be sued. Sue the companies who condone this behavior instead of those to attempt to fix the problem
Load More Replies...Your two cents isn't even worth two cents of Monopoly money, frankly. A lot of Black people, myself included, are sick and tired of people telling us to take the high road and be the better person in the face of brutal inequality and racism. We're not trying to be saints; we are trying to be warriors. James is fighting the good fight and he's right to sue because, win or lose, the very filing of the suit will establish a paper trail. The next time a person of color is wronged in a Gap-owned store, there will be that legal precedent already set. As for those employees, they embarassed themselves. They showed their true nature and I don't feel sorry for them. I'm glad the video went viral and I hoped it frustrates their ability to get a good job in the future. Let them flip burgers in a grease pit for a few years so they can think about what they did.
Load More Replies...Would the police believe him, though... Never been to the U.S.A., so I don't want to be the one stereotyping here, but American police is pretty infamous for "accidentally" shooting to death random black men because they were wearing hoodies....
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