A Burger King drive-thru employee who wore blackface during her shift told a shocked customer she 'just wanted to be Black'. The exchange, captured on video, has been viewed 200,000 times on Facebook alone.
Customer confronts employee
The customer, Shavelle Devine, filmed the encounter at the drive-thru window. In the video, she asks the employee what she was 'today'. The employee replied, 'I'm just Black today,' adding that it was acceptable because she 'had a good heart'.
When Devine asked if the employee was supporting the Black Lives Matter movement, the worker said, 'Well, no, I just wanted to be Black.' Devine then asked, 'Why would you want to be Black? Do you know the struggles that we go through as Black people?' The employee responded, 'Sorry, you're making me laugh, sorry, no, yes I do. Or I mean, no, I don't. No, I don't.'
Customer's reaction
Devine said she felt 'disappointment, frustration, and concern' following the altercation. She described the behaviour as 'completely unacceptable, offensive, and disrespectful'.
'African Americans should not have to continuously explain why racism is offensive or why certain actions are unacceptable,' she said. 'We should not have to minimise our feelings, overlook disrespect, or accept racial humiliation for the comfort or amusement of others.'
Devine added that the reactions seemed 'more like a joke' rather than recognition of the seriousness of the situation. She said the response 'sends a troubling message that racial insensitivity is something to laugh about rather than something that deserves immediate attention and accountability'.
Burger King responds
A Burger King spokesperson said, 'We are aware of the video and take the matter very seriously. The Franchisee of this location is addressing the situation with his team, manager, and Team Member to ensure everyone involved understands why this is not acceptable and won't happen again.'
Devine also called on the company, saying, 'As a major national business, Burger King has a responsibility to create an environment where customers and employees of every racial background feel respected, valued, and safe.'
