Erie Orchards and Cider Mills, a popular establishment, is currently facing widespread outrage and backlash online after a video surfaced showing the owner, Steve Elzinga, making offensive and racist comments toward an Arab-American customer. The incident has sparked intense discussions and condemnation across social media platforms.
The incident began when Palestinian immigrant Joe Mahmoud, accompanied by his wife and three children, visited the orchard on Sunday, August 13. After purchasing goods worth $70, the family was reportedly informed by employees that they could explore the orchard without charge, given the absence of u-pick peaches. The family found a bag of mostly rotted peaches and apples.
According to Mahmoud’s account on Facebook, the situation escalated when they were stopped by the owner, Steve Elzinga, who accused them of stealing and prevented them from leaving. The video captured Elzinga making a racist comment, stating, “Every Muslim that comes in here steals from me.” In response to accusations of racism, Elzinga admitted, “Of course, I am.”
Mahmoud says Elzinga took the bag of picked peaches inside and demanded $58.
“He said, ‘Oh, you’re gonna pay. And I’ll make sure you pay,’” Mahmoud said. “That right there was like, you know what — no.”
While walking back to his truck, without the peaches, Mahmoud says he heard the unthinkable.
“‘You people always come down here.’ I said, ‘What do you mean you people,’” Mahmoud said.
The following was captured on video:
Mahmoud: “You said, ‘I hope these Muslims don’t come back here.’”Elzinga: “I don’t want you here.”Mahmoud: “Why would I want to spend any money with you when you say that?”Elzinga: “I don’t need you.”Mahmoud: “I don’t need you either.”Elzinga: “So why are you here?”Mahmoud: “I like to help local businesses.”Elzinga: “Well, we don’t need you.”
The situation further escalated as Elzinga reportedly searched the family’s vehicle, including rifling through their belongings and even a diaper bag. The owner demanded $58 for the rotten peaches the family had picked, and when the family refused to pay, he reportedly went on a racist tirade, expressing his negative views towards Muslims.
The video and the incident it captured have triggered a strong backlash from the online community. Many expressed their shock and anger at the offensive comments made by Elzinga. Some individuals vowed to boycott Erie Orchards and Cider Mills, stating that they would no longer support a business associated with such behavior.
In response to the outrage, Elzinga doubled down on his stance in a statement to 7 Action News, asserting that he did not regret his comments and even defended his discriminatory views. He claimed that his staff often alerted him when Muslims visited the orchard, and he felt the need to be cautious around them.
Despite the controversy, Erie Orchards and Cider Mill’s owner maintained that his establishment is open to all patrons. However, the incident has highlighted the ongoing conversations about racism, discrimination, and the responsibility of businesses to create welcoming environments for all customers.
Categories: News
Source: vothisaucamau.edu.vn
