Woman sues hotel, says she was discriminated against when she was asked to cover her shoulders

A black teacher, Blessing Nwosu, has sued a five-star luxury Houston hotel for alleged discrimination. She claimed that she was asked to cover her shoulders, while many white women were allowed to wear revealing outfits, leading to a claim of unfair treatment.

She is seeking $1 million in damages for the alleged shock and humiliation she experienced at the Post Oak Hotel in Houston, Texas. The incident occurred when she visited the Bloom and Bee restaurant inside the hotel for her friend Stephanie’s birthday on May 24, and she was reportedly asked to cover her shoulders while dining.

Her lawsuit claimed that during a 2 p.m. lunch, a restaurant host at the hotel placed a shawl on her shoulders. However, the hotel has countered the claim, stating that the shawl was offered respectfully. They argue that the legal action is a ploy by Nwosu’s attorney to gain attention and financial gain, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Nwosu, a published author and grade school teacher, was wearing a red bodycon dress with neck straps when she was stopped at the restaurant. According to the federal lawsuit, Nwosu entered the restaurant and sat down with her friends at the table.

In a surprising turn of events, the restaurant host approached Nwosu and placed a shawl or scarf on her shoulders, claiming it was necessary if her shoulders were exposed, the lawsuit stated. Nwosu found this treatment rude. She observed that there were approximately four Caucasian patrons in the restaurant at the time whose shoulders were also exposed.

The lawsuit pointed out that the Bloom & Bee Restaurant’s public Instagram page showcases numerous Caucasian women with exposed shoulders. It also mentioned that Nwosu was deeply affected by the incident, suffering from various stress-related symptoms, including hair loss, nausea, insomnia, embarrassment, fear, muscle aches, and headaches.

In an interview with KHOU 11, the teacher expressed how the alleged incident made her feel like a spectacle, causing significant embarrassment as onlookers observed the situation.