Nine Women Launch $5 Million Discrimination Lawsuit Against Virginia Steakhouse
A group of nine women has filed a substantial $5 million lawsuit against an upscale Virginia steakhouse, alleging they were subjected to humiliating racial discrimination after being forced to leave the premises following a viral altercation that occurred last November.
The Incident and Immediate Aftermath
The controversy centres on events that unfolded at the Cork and Bull Chophouse in Chesapeake on 6 November. Surveillance footage that subsequently spread widely online captured two women engaged in a physical confrontation inside the restaurant, with tables being knocked over during the scuffle.
According to the plaintiffs, who had gathered for a Friendsgiving dinner, the individuals involved in the brawl were not part of their party and had already departed before authorities arrived. Despite this, restaurant staff allegedly instructed all nine women to leave the establishment.
"I asked why and he responded, saying, 'because you all like to fight,'" recounted local resident Shakoya Holt to news affiliate 10 On Your Side. "They made us leave and get up in front of all the other patrons in the restaurant."
The women describe what was intended as a celebratory evening turning into "a night of hurt, embarrassment and pure humiliation." Ashley Pickens, another member of the group, echoed these sentiments: "We were all put in a negative spotlight in that moment. It was all eyes on us, very embarrassing."
Restaurant's Response and Internal Review
Restaurant owners Robert "Brian" Mullins and his wife Teresa have vehemently denied all allegations of discrimination and racism. In an official statement, they revealed they had conducted an extensive review of surveillance footage and an internal investigation into staff actions from that evening.
"That review provided overwhelming evidence supporting the decisions made by our team," Robert Mullins stated. The owners claim they spent more than eighty days examining the footage before responding publicly.
The Mullinses further disclosed they had extended an invitation to the women for a meeting to discuss the incident, but this offer was reportedly declined. They expressed confidence that their team would be fully vindicated, describing the lawsuit as a "false attack" that has caused "significant damage" to both their restaurant's reputation and revenue.
Legal Action and Community Support
Dissatisfied with what they perceived as the restaurant's inadequate response and lack of apology, the nine women engaged local attorney Joyvan Malbon-Griffin to pursue legal action.
"All nine of these women were treated more harshly than the two people who were actually engaged in the misdemeanor action," Malbon-Griffin told reporters. "They have said enough is enough and we are not going to take it."
The NAACP Virginia State Conference and NAACP Chesapeake Branch have publicly declared solidarity with the women. Reverend Cozy Bailey, President of the NAACP Virginia State Conference, released a powerful statement: "This incident is a painful reminder that racism remains embedded in our daily lives. It is unacceptable for anyone to be judged or mistreated based solely on the color of their skin."
The statement continued: "We must hold establishments accountable when they perpetuate racial stereotypes, and we call on the community to stand in solidarity with these women and demand justice."
Broader Implications and Ongoing Dispute
This case highlights continuing concerns about racial discrimination in hospitality settings and raises important questions about how establishments handle security incidents involving minority patrons. The women maintain they were targeted due to their skin colour, while the restaurant insists their staff acted appropriately based on their assessment of the situation.
As the $5 million lawsuit progresses through the legal system, both sides remain entrenched in their positions. The women seek accountability and justice for what they describe as a deeply humiliating experience, while the restaurant owners anticipate what they believe will be complete vindication for their team's actions.
The outcome of this case may establish important precedents regarding discrimination claims in commercial establishments and how businesses balance security concerns with equitable treatment of all customers.
