A gay restaurant worker from Miami says he was harassed by a group of homophobic customers, called antigay slurs, knocked to the ground, beaten, chased, and then fired from his job.
The alleged incident happened last Sunday, June 28. Jaquan Walker was working at a Miami Beach BurgerFi when he got into an argument with a group of customers who made fun of his voice.
Disturbing video shows several punches being thrown, kicks, a chair being hurled across the restaurant, and multiple antigay slurs being shouted at 24-year-old Walker, who was working behind the cash register.
Strong language here, but this is the video of a BurgerFi employee who was attacked, beaten and showered with anti-gay slurs before he throws a chair at one of his attackers in anger. He was fired and spoke exclusively with @wsvn pic.twitter.com/BbX72TIuxm
— Sheldon Fox-7 News (@fox_sheldon) July 2, 2020
Speaking to WSVN-TV, Walker explained that he was taking the group’s order when one of the men said his voice sounded gay.
“They tell me that I need to put bass in my voice,” Walker said. “They was saying ‘f*ggot.’”
“They just said a whole bunch things: ‘Oh, we’re going to kill you. Oh, we’ll beat you up. You’re gay. You shouldn’t be gay.’”
When Walker stood up for himself, things turned violent.
The men grabbed him, pushed him to the ground, then kicked and punched him while shouting antigay slurs. As they were walking away, Walker says he was “so mad” and “embarrassed” that he threw a chair in their direction.
That’s when they turned around and beat him again before chasing him towards the back of the restaurant.
“I had scars on my neck. My arm was bruised. I still have pain on the side of my ribs, and I have cuts inside my mouth from them kicking me in my mouth and things.”
To add insult to injury, when Walker returned to work the next day, his boss told him he no longer had a job there.
“It makes me feel bad,” he said. “I come to work. I work. I mind my business. I don’t mess with nobody. I was a good worker. I was always there on time. It’s scary because you never know how far it can go.”
Walker says he’s looking for another job, but he has been having difficulty because of record high unemployment numbers and the coronavirus pandemic, which is currently raging out of control in Florida.
Miami Beach Police say they are looking for two men in connection to the beating. The police report describes the incident as an “anti-gay battery.”
Related: This Miami gay man kissed his date goodnight. Then the pair got shot.
meghanada
Can we talk about black homophobia, or are we too busy pretending that “white bear racism” is actually something that harms more people?
wikidBSTN
We can talk about it – but it would be easier, and more people may be inclined to listen, if you don’t turn this into an anti-White thing (putting down White bears) when this has nothing to do with a person who is white.
Neoprene
Ima have to agree with dat.
Chrisk
Even though Queerty loves to fan the racism flames for clicks they won’t touch that subject with a 10 foot pole. That would cause a riot among the woke crowd who would be accusing Queerty of racism and calling for a boycott by the end of the week.
ThinkPlease
No. No we can’t. And you’re going to get called on…oh, you already were called on being anti-White when you actually weren’t. 🙂
We’d rather discuss “microagressions” and “feeling out of place” than violence and being fired.
Our priorities? They are seriously out of place. Seriously. Now get back on the woke train or we’ll send you to Miss Ironbox for sensitivity training, Peter.
Cam
We could, except it isn’t the Black community voting for Trump and Republicans who are nominating judges trying to take our rights away and pass laws against our civil rights.
meghanada
@Cam So black straight people get a pass for harassing gay workers and beating them up, as long as they they don’t vote Republican?
There’s a whole lot to life, ethics, and civics that has nothing to do with party politics. And black straight people don’t vote Republican because they want to protect their own interests, not because they’re so supportive of gay people.
jayceecook
@Chrisk Just say Cam
lord.krath
He did the right thing. Though, he probably should have stopped once they walked away. That he continued after that (though admittedly on an adrenaline rush and in fight/flight mode) is why he was fired. What is atrocious is all of the bystanders watching and doing nothing but watching and recording.
jayceecook
@CamCam what the heck does anything you wrote have to do with the OP’s comment?
Nothing. As usual.
Can you ever just reply to somebody without deflecting from the topic at hand and making it about Republicans and the Orange One? Are incapable of staying on topic?
Are you in a relationship? If so I imagine a mild argument would go something like this…
Partner: “CamCam, I don’t like the way you insult me when I forget to take the trash out.”
CamCam: “Well you wouldn’t get insulted if the Republicans and Trump weren’t doing everything in their power to strip the LGBTQ community of it’s hard earned rights.”
Partner: “What does that have to do with you making snide remarks when…”
CamCam: “Oh look, the Russian bot is upset it got called out. Have fun kissing your master’s orange azz.”
Dude, seriously. If you’re always going to ignore and deflect just stay out of it.
Cam
@meghanada
It seems to upset you that I pointed out that the Black community is voting for the politicians supporting our rights and appointing judges who support our civil rights, and pretty much all of Trump’s supporters pushing for attacks on us our white. You seem really intent on deflecting from that.
Cam
@jayceecook
Sweetie, if you’re going to steal another members screename, the same way you did with Black Pegasus, you should try to hide it better.
You’ve now spent about 5 posts obsessively coming for me, AND you’re calling me “camcam” as you did under 3 other screenames.
Your troll game is tired.
jayceecook
@CamCam Except black people are supporting Trump, did vote for Trump in 2016, and probably will vote for him again in the fall. Is in on the same level as as whites? No. But like your good friend Karlos Dillard, black Trumpsters exist.
The reason meghanada is upset is because your reply has nothing to do with the topic at hand. You didn’t actually say anything in relation to their OG comment. Like always, you veered in a completely different direction. It’s like when a server says, “Would you like a salad or extra dinner roll with your entree?” You reply, “I prefer baby powder over cornstarch to keep my taint dry during the warmer months.” Like, WTF does that have to do with anything?!
Again with the troll comment. Nope, not a troll. Nope, didn’t steal anybody’s screen name. Wouldn’t know how to if I cared enough to. Nope, not aware that other people called you CamCam. Little bummed about that one. Here I thought I came up with that one myself. Is Cammie better? Camila? Camellia?CryBabyCam? CantStandCam?
Obsessed? Hardly. But I have decided that my new hobby is going to be calling you out for your actual BS like you call out people for their perceived trolling, being a Russian bot, stealing names, and all the other tripe you vomit on this site. If all you’re going to do is attack people who don’t agree with you, call them names, deflect and lie then I see no problem with helping karma restore some balance.
Cam
@jayceecook
I LOVE how it doesn’t matter WHAT screename you steal, you can’t ever hide because your obsession always pops up.
We get it, you’re here to deflect. But if you’re going to try, do better. They asked about a topic, and I replied. The fact that your obsession with me has you trying to pick someone ELSE’s fight is just a little sad don’t you think? But it’s cute how you keep stealing screenames and thinking you won’t get exposed.
Oh, and the best part is, you always try to take over the screename of a normal account, and then ALWAYS blow it by talking about Russia being a hoax, etc..
I mean really, do you sign on and just think to yourself, “Hmmmm, what’s the dumbest thing I can do to expose myself as quickly as possible with this new screename”?
Kangol2
@Meghanada (or whoever you are), sure, we can talk about Black homophobia but let’s also talk about White homophobia. Cam’s point is that it is White homophobes whom people like you never want to talk about who are trying to take away your rights, your freedoms, everything. They are the ones pushing anti-gay laws. They’re the ones who pushed Prop 8. They’re the ones who are now trying to push “religious freedom” laws to discriminate against LGBTQ people. As it turns out, most Black voters vote for the party that does not support these policies, however many Black homophobes there are. So rather than talking about “Black homophobia,” stop generalizing about a race of people and instead, talk about specific Black homophobes, like these creeps who attacked this young man.
Now to @jayceecook, clearly you can read stats. Yes, some Black people voted for Trump, but Black people overwhelmingly voted against Donald Trump. Overwhelmingly. In fact, the reason we are saddled with this incompetent, psychopathic, treasonous, deranged, misogynistic liar and homophobe Trump is because of White voters. I can assure you–and you can bet the house on it–that his supporters and those of the GOP, which up to a week ago was hoping that its right-wing judges would allow discrimination in the workplace, are going to be White. Do you say anything to or about White homophobes and White homophobia? Do you speak out about rabidly anti-gay Catholic Bishops? About that anti-gay Mormon leadership, which is all White? About people Jerry Falwell Jr. and Robert Jeffress and Billy Graham Jr., who have the ear of this president and the GOP, and who are extremely homophobic? And then there’s the pathetic, anti-gay GOP….
dmanhart
Excellent point.
wikidBSTN
Jaquan Walker – GOOD FOR YOU for standing up for yourself. The world might not always be fair, even when you do the RIGHT THING (which hurts a lot). But you have your dignity and sense of self – and that will carry you through. You might also want to get a lawyer.
People in Miami Beach should stay away from the BurgerFi.
Manray
Boycott that dump until it is out of business.
Maybe if we’re lucky the low ghetto trash that beat this poor kid will get Covid from having no mask on. Good riddance.
Chrisk
At least the Police are giving it the attention it deserves.
How brave of them though. 2 against one. I would’ve grabbed the midget with the dreadlocks and pulled the f*ckers out of his scalp. That is after banging his head against the wall a few times 🙂
jayceecook
This made me laugh more than it should have. Violence is never the answer. But the imagery it evoked was priceless.
Heywood Jablowme
Does he have any legal recourse in Florida about being fired?
This is one GoFundMe (if he has one) that I’d donate to!
ThinkPlease
Please let us know if there is one, I’m on board. He’s going to have medical expenses, in all probability.
dalestine
I tweeted burgerfi earlier this morning and got a response from their PR person STAT!
They are on it big time, as they should be, and Jaquan was offered his job back with “additional incentives,” which I take to be a settlement… I am waiting to hear a follow-up as I also asked if the manager who fired Jaquan is getting the CHOP.
jayceecook
No. Florida is an at-will state.
Plus when he picked up that chair and threw it he unfortunately made it worse for himself. I totally understand why he did it and don’t blame him. I might have done worse. But it gave the restaurant all they needed to fire him.
enlightenone
I wouldn’t hesitate to donate to at least ensure his basic needs are met until he can get back on his feet. I for one am glad he fought back to defend himself though it is ironic that the so-called “real men” are 99% of the time with a group of punks attacking one person. I for one wouldn’t work in these types of spaces without SECURITY!
Cam
I hope he gets a settlement from the men AND the restaurant.
Mack
I agree, but you have to remember this is Florida, don’t plan on it happening.
enlightenone
So do I!
Neoprene
Shouldn’t have tossed that chair, girl! Defense! DEFENSE! Not offense!
James
WHAT A STUPID COMMENT COMING FROM A COWARD.
ShiningSex
Neoprene, you calling him girl shows how ignorant and small d*ck you are.
Neoprene
James, Shiney Sox – Thanks for your opinions, ladies. That any better?
wikidBSTN
I agree with Neoprene – I totally understand why he threw the chair, I might have done the same thing in my rage – but from a legal stand point, he would be better off if he hadn’t. Ultimately, will it matter much that he threw it, probably not. But if that chair had hit someone and done damage – ya, it would have matter A LOT.
enlightenone
He should have kept throwing chairs and the cowards he worked with should have done the same, then locked the doors while someone called…the police(?) A shoot out would have been a different story!
jayceecook
While it’s unfortunate that the restaurant chose to fire him they actually have grounds to. The second he picked up that chair and tossed it at the customers it was over for him. Because had he severely hurt one of them or one of the jackazzes just standing around recording it instead of helping the restaurant is now liable for any damages. Possibly can lawsuit. Yes, it a lot of states you can sue for damages even if you were the aggressors.
Now I hope they change their minds and offer him his job back. Though I don’t know if I’d want to go back to a place of employment that wouldn’t have my back. But as he said jobs are scarce in the current environment we’re in. So unfortunately it might be the only source of income he can get right now.
If he does go back I’d do the minimum amount of work required to maintain employment. Screw giving them your best when they can’t do the same. Maybe another business will reach out and offer him a position so he won’t have to return to that place.
RobF
Thugs! But we’re not allowed to say that anymore, right?
Neoprene
Ima cool with dat. Check with the local snowflakes though. They might object.
ShiningSex
SUE THE RESTAURANT. HOPE THEY GO OUT OF BUSINESS FOR DEFENDING GAY BASHERS OVER THEIR OWN EMPLOYEE.
Norm
I thought it was outrageous that he was fired until I found out he threw a chair. That’s the bad thing, he should have done nothing and maybe, MAYBE justice would have been served. I don’t think there was anything wrong with him throwing the chair but that’s all the restaurant needed to fire him. Really, if the restaurant had any compassion, they’d know how humiliating it must have been for him to have his voice made fun of. It probably has been a life time thing for him to have people make fun of him and sooner or later someone will snap.
Manray
I hope BurgerFi makes certain this NEVER happens again.
I also hope they pay this poor guy attacked by such low trash.
Roan
Conflicting reports online the company hired a diversity coach to train the staff and the fired man was offered his job back.
Denny98
You gotta love the guy (customer I assume) who was filming this incident on his phone, and had to scan himself to say ‘Oh My God’. The look on his face is priceless.
Hillers
At least the one dude told us to enjoy our summertime. That’s something. Right?
Kangol2
I’m glad he got his job back. The attackers should all be behind bars!
Black Pegasus
Let’s see if Black Twitter will create a GoFundMe for him.
malestrom
Hate is prevalent in all races. Racism nor homophobia is exclusive to White, Asian or Black folk. What is preposterous is to reckon for deserve justice as an equal human being still knowing how themselves are homophobic & racist. Blacks have perpetrated genocide upon blacks, Hutus vs Tutsis, Zulu vs Xhosa… Cases we have aplenty. Homophobia is a horrible attitude many blacks do express & embrace. To talk about it has become “racist” in the ever increasing woke stupidity.
GayEGO
The real issue is that everyone needs to stop harassing human beings regardless of race, gender orientation, or gender identity. Education for the young as well as adults needs to teach the value of life and how we should be working together to solve important problems such as climate change.
Crayonap
It’s a good thing those two co-workers were there to step in and defend as well. Without them this young man could be dead.
enlightenone
Just senseless barbaric behavior no matter the pigmentation should be penalized. That said, I wouldn’t work in an environment where my co-workers don’t have my back, especially to add insult to INJURY being paid 6.00(?) an hour. This brave gay MAN needs to file a claim and/or sue! And, yes, good for him to pick himself up and seek another job though it may be difficult. Hopefully, someone watching this disgusting video has the means to hire him – I would.