In a recent turn of events that has drawn significant attention, Tyrese Gibson has taken legal action against retail giant The Home Depot, accusing the company of racial discrimination. The lawsuit, filed alongside two other plaintiffs, sheds light on an incident involving mistreatment that allegedly transpired in February at a Home Depot store in West Hills, California.
The lawsuit, presented to the Superior Court of the States of California County of Los Angeles — Central District, outlines Gibson’s claims of “outrageous discriminatory mistreatment and consumer racial profiling.” The incident reportedly occurred on February 11, prompting Gibson to seek legal recourse against The Home Depot.
Gibson’s lawsuit revolves around an incident where he and two other plaintiffs, Eric Mora, and Manuel Hernandez, visited The Home Depot to purchase items for an ongoing construction project at Gibson’s residence. During the visit, an alleged delay in scanning items prompted Gibson to wait in his car to avoid causing any disruption. However, upon returning to the store, he discovered that Mora and Hernandez had been denied their purchases. Gibson’s attempt to complete the transaction was met with resistance from the manager, who allegedly refused to engage in dialogue despite Gibson’s request.
The lawsuit explicitly states that the treatment experienced by the plaintiffs was rooted in racial discrimination. It asserts that “The actions of the cashier and manager were discriminatory based on race and origin,” with no other plausible explanation for their mistreatment. The incident is characterized as “humiliating and demeaning,” pointing to a clear instance of discriminatory conduct and consumer racial profiling.
The legal action highlights Home Depot’s purported lack of accountability for the incident, emphasizing the company’s failure to address the experience satisfactorily. The lawsuit accuses the company of doubling down on its stance and seeking legal representation.
The plaintiffs, Tyrese Gibson, Eric Mora, and Manuel Hernandez, are collectively seeking over $1 million in damages. The lawsuit alleges negligence on The Home Depot’s part, particularly concerning the hiring, training, and supervision of the manager and cashier involved in the incident.
In response, The Home Depot spokesperson, Beth Marlowe, conveyed the company’s commitment to diversity and respect, stating that they do not tolerate any form of discrimination. The company has reached out to Tyrese Gibson in an attempt to address his concerns and work toward a resolution.
Gibson himself shared his perspective on the situation. In a statement given to NBC News, he emphasized the significance of his team members, Eric Mora and Manuel Hernandez, who have been integral to his creative endeavors for over a decade. He expressed a collective commitment to civil rights, empathy, and understanding while standing united against discriminatory practices and consumer racial profiling. Gibson affirmed his dedication to using his platform to amplify marginalized voices, foster unity, and advocate for a future devoid of such injustices.
As the legal proceedings unfold, this case serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against discrimination and the importance of holding institutions accountable for their actions.
