Actor and musician Tyrese Gibson has taken legal action against Home Depot, claiming he was a victim of racial discrimination and profiling during a visit to their West Hills, California location in February. Gibson, along with two construction workers, Eric Mora and Manual Hernandez, who were working for him at the time, filed a lawsuit seeking $1 million in compensatory damages.
In the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Gibson alleges that he and his workers had their civil rights violated during the incident. He asserts that the company not only engaged in racial profiling but also violated California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act. The lawsuit also accuses Home Depot of negligence in its hiring, supervision, and retention of employees.
Gibson’s legal team contends that the $1 million sought in damages is based on the substantial amount of money he has spent at Home Depot over the years. The actor maintains that he and the plaintiffs are committed to advancing civil rights and ending discriminatory practices not only at Home Depot but in all retail stores.
According to the lawsuit, during the incident, Gibson attempted to avoid drawing attention to himself by having his workers pay for his purchase with his credit card. However, the cashier refused to process the transaction without a reasonable explanation, leading to a confrontation. Gibson argues that there is no plausible explanation for this mistreatment other than racial discrimination.
A video of the altercation was posted on YouTube, capturing Gibson in a tense discussion with Home Depot staffers. In the clip, Gibson accuses the staff member of racism and highlights his long-standing patronage of the store.
Home Depot responded to the allegations, stating that they value Gibson as a customer and have reached out to him and his attorneys to address his concerns. The company emphasized their commitment to diversity and respect for all individuals and their intolerance for discrimination in any form.
As the legal proceedings unfold, this lawsuit sheds light on the broader issue of racial profiling and discrimination, sparking discussions about the responsibility of companies to ensure fair treatment and equality for all customers.
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Written by:
Dana Sterling-Editor
