A White woman in California is facing online backlash after she was accused of harassing Black mothers and their toddlers during a photoshoot at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area.
According to the photographer, she was at the park with a mom and her kid, along with her own son, for a birthday photoshoot. She said they encountered a woman who allegedly works as a dog walker and was accompanied by several dogs at the time. The photographer accused the woman of making false statements, using racial slurs, and allegedly provoking her dogs during the interaction.
In addition to the initial accusations, the photographer claimed that the woman allegedly told her that the dogs she was walking would attack the boys. The photographer wrote, “She never asked us to keep our distance from her or her dogs, but instead immediately made accusations that are again false.”
The photographer added that the woman also reportedly called authorities on them and made multiple claims in an attempt to “get the attention of the authorities.” According to the photographer, these alleged claims included accusations that the Black family and photographer were harassing her, that they were allowing their kids to run into the street, and that the children had almost drowned in a lake.
“Today both of our children aged 1 ½ & 2 learned about what it is to be an African American in America,” the photographer wrote in her caption. In addition to her statements, she shared a video that showed part of the interaction with the woman during the incident.
In the video, the woman can be heard telling the photographer, “maybe you should’ve gone to university first before having a baby.” Many viewers online interpreted this as a racially charged or stereotyped remark. When the photographer responded that she had a degree, the woman replied, “You don’t look like it.”
As the photographer continued recording, she told the woman, “You are a prime example of racism.” At one point in the video, the dogs with the woman began pulling on their leashes and barking at another parkgoer. Another part of the footage also showed the woman making allegations that the toddlers were running in the street during the encounter.
“I’m not gonna argue with a bigot,” the photographer says at one point in the video. She then begins speaking about God and judgment. The woman responds sarcastically, saying, “Oh God. Where was God when all the Black people that shouldn’t get killed? Where was God then?”
After the exchange, the video showed park staff approaching the woman, apparently to address the situation. At that point, her dogs began barking at the staff as they came closer. The footage then ended with the photographer sharing the woman’s name and writing, “shame on you.”
Viewers Outraged Following California Woman’s Behavior
The video sparked reactions online. Many viewers were outraged by the California woman’s behavior, with some accusing her of racism toward the Black family and photographer. One person wrote, “I’m so sorry this happened to you. This is incredibly frustrating,” Another commenter said, “This makes me sad and angry, as well as embarrassed. You handled the situation much better than I could have.”
Some viewers escalated the discussion online by making assumptions about the woman’s background and calling for immigration enforcement involvement, despite no verified information about her status. “German immigrant call ice,” one person said. Another person wrote, “Call ice and report her for communicating Terroristic threats.” Someone else added, “She sounds like an immigrant.Check her status and call ICE. A lot of them are bringing back discrimination and hopefully Trump can get them back home where they can practice openly alone. These Johnny come lately people don’t have the same beliefs that we have.”
The video sparked widespread outrage online, with many viewers criticizing the woman’s behavior and disagreeing with how she allegedly treated the Black family and toddlers during the incident.
