A Black family in Illinois went viral after filming themselves being asked to leave a restaurant following a complaint from another customer who allegedly said they smelled like marijuana. The family shared a video of the incident on Instagram, warning viewers about the restaurant where it allegedly occurred. According to the family, the incident took place at Morton’s The Steakhouse, and they accused the restaurant of discriminating against them based on how they were treated during the encounter.
In the caption, the family member who posted the video said they had gone to the restaurant to celebrate Father’s Day when an employee informed them that another customer had complained that they smelled like weed. The situation upset the family member, who responded by insulting the employee in the caption. “[Expletive] your hair is offensive [expletive] on,” they wrote.
They also urged people not to support the restaurant, writing, “Do not support @mortonssteak this is discrimination.” The family member further argued that the complaint was unfair. They added, “People can walk in smelling like [expletive] and cigarettes no problem!”
In the video, the employee stood in front of the family and explained that the alleged marijuana smell was considered an “offensive odor.” They therefore could not be allowed inside the restaurant. The woman filming disagreed with the explanation and responded by commenting on the employee’s appearance. She told him that his red hair “isn’t professional for this restaurant either.”
The family began handing back their menus as they got up to leave the restaurant. During the exchange, the employee told them, “I apologize,” as they prepared to exit. After the video was shared online, the majority of viewers sided with the restaurant’s management. They argued that businesses have the right to address complaints from other customers and enforce their own standards regarding odors inside the establishment.
Viewers Divided Over Black Illinois Family Getting Kicked Out
The video sparked reactions online. Some viewers sided with the Black Illinois family and believed they had been mistreated by the restaurant. “The way black people are treated in America is disgraceful! Black people built this country and still get treated like they’re sub-human. The audacity of these WHITES is unsettling. There will come a day when blacks have had enough & cause havoc just because! Mark my words….,” one person wrote.
On the other hand, many viewers believed that the restaurant handled the situation appropriately. This is particularly after the family member who shared the video reportedly acknowledged in a comment that they use weed. “No class and honestly, I don’t think they would understand what it means to be in a fancy restaurant, obviously and probably think the prices are gonna be like something they see on a Popeyes menu,” one person wrote. Another commenter said, “I’m so tired of smelling weed in public. This man is a hero.”
The video sparked a conversation about whether restaurants should be allowed to ask customers to leave if they are believed to have a strong marijuana odor. It also led to debate over how such situations are interpreted. Some people viewed the incident as the enforcement of restaurant policy. Others, however, believed it reflected discriminatory treatment and raised concerns about racism.
