Nine Black women say they were discriminated against and unjustly removed from a Chesapeake restaurant following a fight between two other Black women inside the establishment on November 6.
A video circulating on social media captured a fistfight at the Cork and Bull Chophouse. However, the women allege that after the altercation had ended, they were the ones asked to leave, despite not being involved. They believe this was discriminatory, suggesting their removal was solely based on their race.
Their planned night of “fellowship” at a Cork and Bull for a Friendsgiving dinner quickly devolved into an experience of “hurt, embarrassment and pure humiliation,” according to local resident Shakoya Holt.
Holt told 10 On Your Side that they had just placed their drink orders when, as stated, “a fight broke out between two African-American women that had nothing to do with us.”
Although the pair of women directly responsible for the loud and disruptive fight, which had occurred across the dining room, had quickly left the scene before local police officers could arrive, a manager at the restaurant reportedly approached the nine women and asked them to leave.
“I asked why and he responded, saying, ‘because you all like to fight,’ and they made us leave and get up in front of all the other patrons in the restaurant, “Holt said.
Said Ashley Pickens: “We were all put in a negative spotlight in that moment. It was all eyes on us, very embarrassing.”
The nine women, along with their lawyer, have exclusively shared their account with 10 On Your Side as they pursue legal action.
“Just because you have employees that might’ve made a bad judgement one night, that can turn into two nights three nights, four nights, it has to stop,” said lawyer Joyvan Malbon-Griffin.
The restaurant staff has failed to offer the women an apology or any follow-up information regarding the incident, the women said.
“All nine of these women were treated more harshly than the two people who were actually engaged in the misdemeanor action,” Malbon-Griffin said.
According to the lawyer, the women are seeking justice but also a public acknowledgment of the harm they have endured, demanding that those responsible be held accountable for their conduct under the full extent of the law.
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“We can say this is discrimination, we can say this violates the equal protection clause,,” Malbon-Griffin said. “They have said enough is enough and we are not going to take it.”
“Treat your customers with dignity and respect,” Holt said.
The NAACP Virginia State Conference and NAACP Chesapeake Branch additionally released a statement supporting the women.
“This incident is a painful reminder that racism remains embedded in our daily lives. It is unacceptable for anyone to be judged or mistreated based solely on the color of their skin,” stated Rev. Cozy Bailey, President of the NAACP Virginia State Conference. “We must hold establishments accountable when they perpetuate racial stereotypes, and we call on the community to stand in solidarity with these women and demand justice.”
