SA singer Jonathan Butler says he was ‘racially profiled’ at US restaurant
SA musician Jonathan Butler wants people to speak up about racism after he felt racially profiled at the Goose & Gander restaurant in California in the US.
The singer and guitarist took to his Instagram timeline on Tuesday to recall his experience at the eatery, claiming the manager followed him to his car after he paid the bill, questioning him about whether he had tipped the waiter who served him.
“I have never been followed out of a restaurant in my life. He showed so much lack of respect for me and all of us who ate at the restaurant. I don’t think he’ll do that to a white person, but he did that to me,
“We took care of our server, very well. We gave them a lot of money. I don't think he'd do that to a white person, but he did that to me It's offensive, it's highly disturbing to me.” he said.
Jonathan said he confronted the manager about offending him but he gave no response.
He urged his followers to speak up against any kind of racism.
“When you see something like this happening to someone, speak up. Talk about it, have a conversation about it. This has got to stop, this whole racist division.”
Goose & Gander and Johathan released a joint statement following the incident saying the singer had spoken with the owner of the restaurant about the mater.
"The restaurant immediately and publicity apologized to Mr. Butler and committed to quick action, including placing the employee on leave and involving outside advisors with expertise in workplace sensitivity training.
We also felt it was important to talk directly, to hear each other's perspective and point of view, and to work toward an equitable solution." read the statement.
Read the full statement below: