A New York coffee shop owner has sparked outrage after a video of him berating a customer over unpaid bills and 'messy' artwork went viral. Luciano Frattolin, owner of the establishment, was filmed in a heated exchange with Melina, a regular patron, accusing her of leaving behind a 'disgusting' mess and failing to settle her debts.
The confrontation, which took place in front of other customers, saw Frattolin aggressively demanding payment while insulting Melina's artistic contributions to the café. 'Your art is a mess, and you never pay your bills,' he shouted, leaving bystanders stunned.
Melina, who claims to have been a loyal customer for years, defended herself, stating she had always paid her dues and that her artwork was meant to enhance the café's ambiance. The video has since ignited a debate on social media, with many condemning Frattolin's behaviour as unprofessional and abusive.
Local residents have expressed mixed reactions, with some siding with the owner over unpaid debts, while others argue his approach was unnecessarily hostile. The incident has also raised questions about the treatment of artists and small businesses in the city.
Frattolin has yet to issue a public apology, but the café's reputation has taken a hit, with several patrons vowing to boycott the establishment.
