Five women in New York file lawsuit against Denny’s, claiming they were denied service due to racial discrimination.
Five Black women are suing Denny’s after an incident at a restaurant in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, where they were allegedly denied service based on their race. The incident occurred on January 14, 2024, when the women—Daniella Bonhomme, Tatiana Poulard, Aminique Kirnon, Selina Sacasa, and Quantavia Grant—stopped at the diner during a road trip. They reported being confronted by a hostess upon entering, who claimed that electrical issues were affecting the restaurant. However, upon attempting to access the restrooms, they noticed the establishment was operating normally, serving an all-white clientele without any apparent issues.
According to demographic data from the World Population Review, Bloomsburg has a predominantly white population, with 88.2% identifying as white and only 4.5% as Black or African American. This fact, coupled with the women’s experience, forms the basis of their federal civil rights lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The complaint alleges that the women were “humiliatingly denied seating and service…simply because of the color of their skin.” Their legal representatives contended that the reported electrical issues were merely a pretext for what they describe as blatant racial discrimination.
The women’s attorney, Kyle Platt, emphasized the obvious nature of the incident, asserting that it was evident to any observer that the women were immediately dismissed while white patrons were allowed to dine without issue. Co-counsel Jacqueline Carranza remarked on the emotional repercussions the women faced, noting they experience ongoing distress stemming from the incident.
A TikTok video filmed by Kirnon showing the encounter has garnered significant attention, accumulating over 40,000 views. In an effort to address the situation, Denny’s corporate vice president Chioke Elmore, who is also Black, reportedly approached Kirnon, insisting that discrimination had not occurred and offering a free meal as a remedy. However, the women’s complaint indicates that such an offer is inadequate to address the emotional distress they have experienced.
The lawsuit comes just days after Denny’s announced a significant acquisition deal valued at 0 million, signaling potential changes for the iconic restaurant chain. While Denny’s promotes itself as an establishment that welcomes all patrons, its history is marred by multiple discrimination lawsuits. Previous legal actions have led to settlements amounting to millions of dollars in response to claims of racial bias and unequal treatment against Black customers.
In this case, the plaintiffs are not merely seeking compensation for emotional distress; they are calling for justice in the face of what they describe as a severe violation of their civil rights. As the legal proceedings escalate, the outcome may have broader implications regarding racial discrimination practices within the hospitality industry.
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