Tyrese Gibson, known for his role in the “Fast & Furious” franchise, has filed a lawsuit against Home Depot, seeking $1 million in damages. According to Tyrese, he believes he was racially profiled by a cashier at a Home Depot store in Los Angeles back in February. The incident was caught on video, including a FaceTime call between Tyrese and the cashier.
In the video, Tyrese explains to the cashier that he had authorized his team members to use his credit card to complete a purchase, but the cashier refused to let them. The cashier insisted on seeing photo identification to accompany the credit card, which Tyrese did not have on him at the time. Tyrese claimed that he had been in the store just 5 minutes earlier and suggested that the cashier should recognize him and accept his card without ID.
Despite Tyrese’s arguments, the cashier stood her ground, leading to a tense standoff between Tyrese, his team members, and the cashier and her manager. Eventually, Tyrese returned to the store to complete the purchase, but not before the situation escalated.
In the lawsuit, Tyrese alleges that he and his team members have been regular customers at the Home Depot location and have spent a significant amount of money there over the years. He estimates his lifetime spending at Home Depot to be $1 million, which is why he is seeking that amount in damages.
Furthermore, Tyrese is also requesting punitive damages on top of the $1 million. He claims that the incident caused him emotional distress and tarnished his reputation. Tyrese is a well-known figure in the entertainment industry, and he believes that the racial profiling incident should not be tolerated.
Home Depot, on the other hand, issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to diversity and respect for all individuals. They stated that they do not tolerate discrimination in any form and value Tyrese as a customer. Home Depot claims to have reached out to Tyrese and his attorneys multiple times in an attempt to resolve the situation.
It remains unclear whether Tyrese has discussed his grievances with his Atlanta neighbor, the CEO of Home Depot. The neighbor connection was mentioned by Tyrese during his altercation with the cashier, suggesting that he had personal connections within the company.
This lawsuit highlights the ongoing issue of racial profiling and discrimination in retail settings. Tyrese’s case against Home Depot brings attention to the importance of fair treatment and respect for all customers, regardless of their race or celebrity status.
In conclusion, Tyrese Gibson’s lawsuit against Home Depot seeks $1 million in damages for an incident where he believes he was racially profiled by a cashier. The altercation was caught on video, and Tyrese claims that he and his team members have been frequent customers at Home Depot. The outcome of this lawsuit will likely shed light on the responsibility of retail establishments to ensure equality and fair treatment for all customers.