A Florida woman accuses a local cinema of racism after an alleged incident where a manager refused to serve her friend. The reason given was that he wasn’t an American citizen. She has since uncovered many other reviews that have reported discrimination and racial profiling.
The alleged incident occurred at the Regal Hollywood cinema in Sarasota, Florida. The woman’s friend and his family went to watch a movie. When he went to order an alcoholic drink, he claims the bartender wouldn’t serve him because he “wasn’t an American citizen.” The video has been viewed, liked, and commented on by over 150,000 people.
The Florida woman explains that her friend, an immigrant from Colombia, presented a government ID card to the bartender. When the woman wouldn’t serve him, her friend tried to explain that his card was “completely valid” and that he was of legal drinking age. The bartender still refused service and claimed to be the manager. She explains that her friend wrote a letter to corporate headquarters.
She has looked into the cinema’s reviews, discovering that “they are not above racial profiling.” Many people have left complaints about feeling racially profiled and discriminated against. The Florida woman claims that corporate hasn’t responded to any of these complaints. However, one complaint about a thermostat was acknowledged. She says, “They did give their apologies for that, but not for blatant racism.” She has since posted the other reviews. These share similar complaints, with several claiming the cinema is “extremely racist” and refuses to serve patrons who aren’t white. Some have mentioned a bartender claiming to be a manager who racially profiles guests.
Many Offer Florida Woman Support
Many are fuming at the incident. One says, “That is called DISCRIMINATION and is HIGHLY ILLEGAL.” Others aren’t surprised, with one saying, “As a Sarasota resident, I’m not surprised.” Several are claiming that they will “most definitely will not be going.” Another agrees, “As someone who lives nearby, I will NEVER go to that cinema.” Some have thanked her for speaking up, telling her, “This is how you use your privilege to help your friends/community.”
Her speaking out about the incident seems to have rallied thousands in support. Several offer to boycott the theater, while others advise on whom to complain to. Some have also claimed to have left bad reviews on the cinema’s website. This has received attention, as many feel it occurs all too frequently.
The Florida woman’s friend has yet to receive an answer. However, she plans to keep everyone updated.
