by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 8, 2024

Russell Simmons Forced To Enter Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against L.A. Reid

Russell Simmons is having his name dragged into the sexual abuse lawsuit against L.A. Reid due to his alleged sexual assault of the plaintiff.

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Russell Simmons is having his name dragged into the sexual abuse lawsuit against L.A. Reid due to his alleged sexual assault of the plaintiff.

Reid’s legal team filed recent documents in Manhattan federal court requesting all documents and electronic messages related to Drew Dixon’s abuse allegations against Simmons, Radar Online reports. Dixon is suing Reid for allegedly assaulting her twice during her time working under him at Arista Records and retaliating against her when she turned down his advances.

Before working at Arista, Dixon worked at Def Jam with Russell Simmons, where she claims to have been raped by the label’s co-founder in 1995. Dixon spoke candidly about her allegations against Simmons and Reid in the 2020 documentary “On The Record.”

Reid, the former head of Arista, Epic, and Def Jam Records, plans to use Dixon’s allegations against Simmons in his defense. His team filed a joint discovery report requesting all “documents related to [Dixon] sexual assault or sexual harassment allegations against Russell Simmons, including public statements, legal correspondence, and any agreements.”

“[Dixon’s] communications with any individual regarding Defendant, Russell Simmons, and any other individuals who allegedly sexually harassed or assaulted her, and/or interfered with her career success.”

Reid also wants to see Dixon’s “psychological, psychiatric, therapeutic, and/or counseling records.” He is repped by attorney Bobbi Sternheim, the same lawyer who served as the lead defense attorney for convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell.

The music exec is also repped by Los Angeles defense attorney Shawn Holley, who represented convicted rapist and Scientologist Danny Masterson. He “anticipates objecting and/or moving to quash if the parties are unable to reach agreement on limiting the scope of the served discovery.”

Meanwhile, Simmons remains in Bali, Indonesia, where he continues to deny all allegations made by Dixon and the 17 other women who accuse him of sexual assault. In December, Simmons broke his silence on the allegations and claimed to have undergone “nine lie detector tests,” that he believes confirm that he’s “never done this to anyone.”

“I’ve never been violent to anybody,” Simmons said. “Of course, I’ve been insensitive, but certainly never been forceful in any of my relationships, all of which I’ve had have been consensual.”

Simmons, who admitted to having “slept” with “thousands” of people, says he might have different recollections of what transpired than the people he slept with.

“I was in so many compromising situations that people can have a recollection from 30 or 40 years ago, and it can be different from my recollection,” he said.

RELATED CONTENT: Dee Barnes Speaks Out After Jay-Z Takes Home Grammy Named After Her Abuser Dr. Dre

by Sharelle Burt

February 8, 2024

Meet The Black Women Leading The Democratic Party In The Early Primary States 

Black women taking the power back!

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For the first time, Black women are taking control of the Democratic Party in three primary states.

With the Democratic presidential primaries kicked off in South Carolina on Feb. 3, the light is starting to shine on President Biden’s campaign and where he stands amongst Black voters. On top of solid endorsements from Congressman Rep. Jim Clyburn and Vice President Kamala Harris, three Black women are stepping into the spotlight in hopes of reflecting the party’s diversity. 

Christale Spain – South Carolina 

Christale. Spain is the first Black woman to serve as Democratic Party chair and is excited to prove to doubtful voters that Biden is the right man for the job– again. Putting the narrative to bed about Biden losing grip on — especially Black men, Spain said it’s all about the lack of knowledge.

“I see the negative perceptions about him online, but I don’t feel it here in the state, especially when we’re going around talking to Black voters about this administration’s accomplishments,” she told Politico. 

“I don’t see a scenario where Black voters won’t vote for Joe Biden.”

Elected in April 2023, Spain is one of many Democrats who have carried the party on her back. She recognizes that even before she was elected.

“Even before I got involved in the party, Black women have really been showing up for Democratic candidates,” she said. “We show up and volunteer. We show up and vote, really, as a big voting bloc.”

Daniele Monroe-Moreno – Nevada 

Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno took over the Nevada State Democratic Party in March 2023 in a heated battle against former chair Judith Whitmer. In a predominantly red state, Monroe-Moreno knew that 2024 was the year to take back control.

“2024 is far too important. The division in our party had to come to an end,” she said, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. 

“I ran so we could bring the family, the Democratic family, back together. Just like any other family, we’re not always going to agree on everything all the time.”

The proud mom and grandmother is about restoring the broken pieces of the blue party. As the first Black woman to serve as state chair, Monroe-Moreno wants Nevada voters to have faith in Biden — just like they did in 2020 when the president won the state by 2.7 percentage points.

“It’s about unifying this party to get behind the people that we have currently in office to make sure we get them reelected,” she said.

“And it’s also seeking and mentoring and training young Democrats to come and take those seats behind us. I’m the first; I don’t want to be the last.” 

Lavora Barnes – Michigan

Lavora Barnes is no stranger to the world of politics as she was reelected as Michigan Democratic Party Chair for a third two-year term in February 2023. Eyes have been on the state — the fifth state to hold the presidential primary in 2024. Under Barnes’ leadership, the party successfully flipped the state House and Senate in 2022 and secured Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) for another four years. 

Working for multiple campaigns, including as the state director for Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign, Barnes understands the importance of knowing your audience.

“I recognize the importance of having conversations year-round so that your first conversation with a voter isn’t asking for a vote,” Barnes told 19th News. 

 “That was our goal, to build an organization, what we call Project 83” — named after Michigan’s 83 counties — “that lets folks have an ongoing relationship with their party.” 

RELATED CONTENT: James Clyburn Emphasizes Voting Importance In Black History Month Address

by Derek Major

February 8, 2024

‘MLB The Show 24’ Presents Negro Leagues Collector’s Edition For PlayStation

MLB The Show 24' will feature the Negro Leagues Collectors Edition which will double as a tribute to the Black newspapers and writers who documented the league.

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MLB The Show 24 will feature Negro League players and teams once again, but this year, fans of Black baseball will get so much more with the Negro Leagues Collectors Edition for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

Before Jackie Robinson integrated baseball, the Negro Leagues were the premiere showcase of Black baseball, and at the time, newspapers were the top media source outside of radio. Black Newspapers and the Black press were not just a source of pride in Black communities across the country but a way to stay informed on the latest Negro League news, scores, and reports.

This will be the second consecutive year the Negro Leagues are featured in the game. This year’s Negro Leagues Collector’s Edition theme is a tribute to those Black newspapers and Black writers who helped give a voice to the Negro Leagues and its stars.

“It has been game-changing because what we see now is millions of young people and young adults are learning about the Negro Leagues through this gaming platform, and not only are they learning about these unsung heroes of the Negro Leagues, they’re falling in love with them and it’s exactly what we hoped would happen,” President of the Negro League Baseball Museum Bob Kendrick told Black Enterprise. “This year, as you may have seen in the reveal video, we added this dimension of celebrating the Black press. The thing that will govern this year’s iteration of the game is the Black press’ role in documenting this history.”

MLB The Show 24 Negro Leagues Collector’s Edition will include: 

• Full Game (Access to both PS4 and PS5*) 
• Limited Edition Physical Steelbook 
• Limited Edition New Era™ MLB The Show 9FIFTY® Hat 
• Four Days Early Access – Begins March 15, 2024 
• Double Daily Login Rewards (For the life cycle of MLB The Show 24) 
• [1] Barrier Breakers Diamond Choice Pack 
• [1] Legend Diamond Choice Pack 
• [5] Gold Choice Packs 
• [1] Equipment Pack 
• [1] Cover Athlete Bat Skin 
• [20] The Show™ Packs 
• [20,000] Stubs™  for MLB The Show 24

The limited edition New Era™ MLB The Show 9FIFTY® hat and physical Steelbook are inspired by the newspapers and retro Negor Leagues game posters of the 1930s and 1940s. The Negro Leagues Edition is $124.99 USD/$164.99 CAD and is available at retailers in the U.S. and Canada.

Additionally, MLB The Show will donate $1 for every Negro Leagues Edition, Digital Deluxe Edition, and MVP edition sold in the U.S. until December 12, 2024 to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Donations will help the Museum continue its work preserving and celebrating the rich history of African American baseball and its impact on the social advancement of America.

“We are very excited about the second season of Negro League storylines, and the fact that this added feature with the collector’s edition makes it even more exciting because of the potential financial benefit that it generates for the Negro League Museum,” said Kendrick. “By and large, this partnership with Sony PlayStation for the inclusion of the Negro Leagues in MLB The Show has been epic.”

RELATED CONTENT: Bat Used By MLB Hall Of Famer Roberto Clemente Could Net More Than $250K At Auction

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 8, 2024

Los Angeles Lakers To Unveil Kobe Bryant Statue

In celebration of Kobe Bryant and the unveiling of his statute, the Lakers will wear the "Black Mamba" uniform for tonight's game

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The legacy of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant grows again as the team plans to unveil a statute of “Black Mamba” on Feb. 8, outside of the Crypto.com Arena.

The Lakers announced that at the game against the Denver Nuggets, the team, in honor of Bryant, will be wearing their Black Mamba uniforms, which were co-designed by Bryant.

Kobe’s legacy immortalized.

Today, we unveil Kobe’s statue. pic.twitter.com/hPVnaTbvqS

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 8, 2024

The statute will be the seventh one that commemorates a Lakers legend. The statute of Bryant joins one built for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Chick Hearn, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Jerry West.

The unveiling of the Bryant statue will air live on Spectrum SportsNet with coverage starting at 3 p.m. PT on Feb. 8. People who want to attend the ceremony in person may be out of luck, as public access to Star Plaza will be restricted due to event staging and load out.

For the game being played later this evening, the Lakers will be wearing the uniforms that debuted during the 2017-2018 season. It represented the team’s first City Edition uniform. The uniforms were first worn on Jan. 26, 2018, and then again during the 2020 NBA Playoffs, leading to the 17th NBA Championship in franchise history. The uniform showcases a snakeskin-like black print and drop shadows on the jersey numbers. “LA 24” appears on the belt and the Nos. 8 and 24 (both worn by Bryant during his career) are under the flap of each leg of the shorts.

Bryant, who was projected to be the heir to Micheal Jordan, was a five-time NBA champion, a two-time Finals MVP, and the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player. During his career, he made the All-Star team 18 times and was the youngest player to reach 30,000 points. Bryant retired in 2016 and scored an NBA season-high 60 points in his final game.

The 41-year-old basketball legend died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others on Jan. 26, 2020.

by Sharelle Burt

February 8, 2024

Miami Students Must Have A Mandated Permission Slip To Celebrate Black History Month 

This is just bold....

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A public school in Florida is asking parents to sign a permission slip – just so their children can participate in Black History Month activities.

Parents at IPrep Academy say they were shocked at the request from the administration. The form asks parents and guardians to decide if they want their kids to participate in “class and school-wide presentations showcasing the achievements and recognizing the rich and diverse traditions, histories, and innumerable contributions of the Black communities.”

One parent noted concern over the problematic ask.

“I was shocked,” Jill Peeling said. “I’m concerned. I’m concerned as a citizen.”

Peeling said initially, she thought she may have just misunderstood the form, but she was correct in her thoughts. 

Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis signed off on numerous mandates on how state teachers are required to teach Black history – including extolling the benefits of slavery. One mandate from July 2023 pushed for lessons about Black history to be taught in an “objective” way and aimed not to “indoctrinate or persuade students to a particular point of view.”

Several lawmakers, including Byron Donald – Florida’s only Black Republican congressman – have bashed the antics against teaching Black history. But Florida is not the only state pushing against teaching Black history. Protests erupted after a conservative-dominant Missouri school board voted to remove Black history electives just months after canceling an anti-discrimination policy. 

African American history expert and Florida International University Professor Marvin Dunn says antics like this will create a generation of people who are misled about Black history.

“When parents become involved in making that decision, keeping some kids out, some kids in, you have unequal learning,” Dunn said. 

He continued to say that DeSantis’ administration’s interference in the classroom is inappropriate and will have serious consequences.

“The intent of the DeSantis attack on education is to make schools more cautious, to make teachers more cautious about what they teach, and it’s working,” he said. “It’s not about banning books necessarily. It’s about banning ideas.”

Miami-Dade School Board Member Steve Gallon says the permission slip was just the district following state board rules.

“We have to follow the law,” Gallon said, according to Business Insider. “Something feels very off here, and the fact that the school needs to cover themselves against the state feels even worse.”

He continued to claim the permission slip was just to get parental consent for when individuals come on campus.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 8, 2024

Eve Gets Candid About Life And Career In Upcoming Memoir ‘Who’s That Girl?’

Rapper/actress Eve is set to release an official memoir where she'll open up about her rise in hip-hop, television, and navigating an entertainment career as a wife and mother.

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Rapper/actress Eve is set to release an official memoir in which she will open up about her rise in hip-hop, television, and navigating an entertainment career as a wife and mother.

Named after her hit 2001 song of the same name, Eve’s “Who’s That Girl?” will be released in September 2024 from Hanover Square Press, People reports. Written in collaboration with hip-hop journalist and author Kathy Landoli, the same woman behind Lil Kim’s highly-anticipated memoir, Eve’s memoir will share her “fearless, empowering and inspirational” rise as a female hip-hop pioneer.

“I’m excited for people to get to know me on a deeper level,” Eve said. “This story is decades in the making.”

She followed up with an Instagram announcement that teased what fans can expect from the new book.

“Y’all, I am excited to announce my autobiography ‘Who’s That Girl?’ is coming out on September 17th,” she wrote. “It’s been a journey down memory lane and I can’t wait for you all to read it. You can pre order it now via the link in my bio. 🐾🖤”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by EVE @therealeve 🐾 (@therealeve)

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Eve enjoyed a quick rise to the top of the music scene. Her 1999 album debut, “Let There Be Eve…Ruff Ryders’ First Lady,” became the third female rapper to top the Billboard 200. She made history in 2002 when she became the first rapper to win a Grammy for Best Rap-Sung Collaboration for her smash hit “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” with Gwen Stefani.

Eve endured a gritty grind to the top on her journey from Mill Creek Projects to Hollywood, and her memoir won’t shy away from sharing. From her inception as the First Lady of the Ruff Ryders alongside hip-hop greats like DMX and The Lox, Eve will shed light on the challenges and triumphs she faced as a woman in a predominantly male domain.

She’ll unravel behind-the-scenes encounters with prominent figures in the industry and share previously undisclosed stories related to her albums. Fans will get a chance to relive Eve’s groundbreaking contributions to rap, fashion, film, and television.

The former sitcom and “The Talk” host will also showcase her professional journey, how she navigates her personal life with a widely publicized marriage, and the fertility challenges she confronted on her path to motherhood.

RELATED CONTENT: WNBA Star Brittney Griner Announces New Memoir, ‘Coming Home’

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 8, 2024

White Michigan Church Gives Reparations To Black Orgs

First Presbyterian Church in Lansing, Michigan, among other white churches in the area, has donated thousands toward the reparations effort led by the Justice League of Greater Lansing.

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A church in Lansing, Michigan, is committed to aiding the Black community through raising funds for reparations. White members of the First Presbyterian Church have donated thousands to support racial justice efforts.

First Presbyterian Church gave a lofty $40,000 check to the Justice League of Greater Lansing, founded in 2021, while also sending the social justice organization $18,000 in 2023. According to the Lansing Street Journal, the group seeks to provide reparations, with funds obtained by other white churches in the area to distribute to Black community members.

First Presbyterian Church’s promise has yet to be wholly fulfilled, pledging $100K overall to the reparations cause. The quest to do so comes after white congregations voted in 2022 to begin fundraising to support reparations for Black people in an effort “to repair the breach caused by centuries of slavery, inequality of wealth accumulation, and the failure to live into God’s plan of equality for all of humanity.”

“The vision of the Justice League is to gain reparations for the 270,000 African Americans living within the capital area region,” said Prince Solace, president of the league and director of community outreach for the church, of the initiative in 2022.

Currently, Solace aims for the funding to go directly to the 100,000 Black people in Greater Lansing but notes it “won’t happen overnight.”

First Presbyterian Church will continue allocating the remaining money pledged from its endowment across the next decade. The funding is expected to go toward helping Black people in the Michigan area and their ambitions, including in entrepreneurship, education, and homeownership.

The church’s involvement is crucial, according to League founder and First Presbyterian member Willye Bryan, stating it has been historically “complicit in slavery.”

Pastor Stanley Jenkins expressed that the task of rectifying past wrongs is daunting but hopes this initiative inspires other communities to take part in giving back to support Black people.

“We’re an ordinary church, ordinary people, not wealthy or powerful, and it is astonishing that we can do this,” shared Jenkins. “And we want everyone to know this is possible.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 8, 2024

Clearwater Man Arrested, Accused Of Buying $31K Worth Of Lottery Tickets On Company Credit Card

Warren Alexander Johnson was arrested after spending $31,693.08 on lottery tickets and charging them to the company credit card

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A Florida man was arrested earlier this week after he admitted to purchasing over $30,000 in lottery tickets on a company credit card.

According to Fox 13 Tampa Bay, Warren Alexander Johnson was arrested on Feb. 5, after the owner of the company he works for discovered the charges to the credit card last year on Sept. 23. The 47-year-old Clearwater man was a truck driver for All Phase Paving.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Johnson was charged with a scheme to defraud ($20,000-$50,000). An official affidavit states that the owner of the company saw that, after reviewing credit card statements, the Chase credit card assigned to Johnson had accumulated charges at several convenience stores for a total of $31,693.08.

The company’s owner told police officers that Johnson was only supposed to use the credit card for work-related charges like buying materials, getting fuel for the truck, etc. Johnson was one of three people who worked at All Phase Paving and was assigned a credit card. When he viewed the charges, he checked the tracking information for the company vehicle that was driven by Johnson, who was the only one who had access to the vehicle.

The tracking revealed that the charges matched up with the places Johnson went to, and the owner told police officers that when he approached Johnson about the charges, he confessed to using the credit card to make the lottery ticket purchases.

Although there were no surveillance videos to track his movements, a store manager at one of the places he frequented also told authorities that Johnson stopped by and always purchased lottery scratch-offs with a credit card.

The Sun-Herald also reported that the owner stated that the bank has not reimbursed him for the charges made by Johnson and that the company is still “at a financial loss,” according to the affidavit.

RELATED CONTENT: Versailles Couple Surprised By $130K Lottery Jackpot, Initially Thought It Was $30K

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 8, 2024

Tyrese Accused Of ‘Exaggerated Theatrics’ In Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Against Home Depot

Home Depot is fighting back against Tyrese's racial discrimination lawsuit and accusing the Hollywood star of "exaggerated theatrics."

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Home Depot is fighting back against Tyrese’s racial discrimination lawsuit and accusing the Hollywood star of “exaggerated theatrics.”

Lawyers for Home Depot filed recent documents accusing the Fast and Furious star of exaggerating his claims of racial discrimination stemming from an in-store incident that occurred in February 2023, Radar Online reports. Tyrese filed a $1 million lawsuit against the retail company over an incident involving a cashier.

The singer/actor claims the cashier made it difficult for his team members to check out using his credit card without a photo ID. Tyrese left the store to sit inside the car after several fans allegedly recognized him inside the store, making his shopping experience too difficult to complete on his own.

Tyrese claims the cashier told him it was OK for his associates to complete the purchase. However, he was forced to re-enter the store to provide a photo ID.

“Should I have the CEO of Home Depot call you tomorrow? Because he’s my neighbor in Atlanta,” Tyrese warned the cashier.

He went on to file his million-dollar lawsuit. But Home Depot has been fighting back and denying that Tyrese ever told the cashier he was leaving the store. Something they say security footage proves.

“Diversity and respect for all people are core to who we are, and we do not tolerate discrimination in any form. We value Mr. Gibson as a customer, and in the months since this happened, we’ve reached out to him and his attorneys several times to resolve his concerns. We will continue to do so.”

Tyrese recently accused the store of failing to turn over any requested documents or make its employee witnesses available for depositions. However, Home Depot says it will need the protective order to turn over any security footage as “CCTV footage is not made available to the public and, due to the camera locations, captures private and sensitive customer information.”

“[Tyrese], a celebrity with 19.5 million Instagram followers, has publicly posted information — such as the video recordings taken on the date of the incident, which were objected to by at least one employee,” the filing states. “These postings were then shared and reposted, including by media outlets. A protective order will prevent public dissemination of private communications of non-parties that were never intended to be public.”

Home Depot said it expected a lawsuit from Tyrese due to his “statements and exaggerated theatrics on the date of the incident.”

RELATED CONTENT: Tyrese Abandons $1M Lawsuit Against Teddy Pendergrass’ Widow Over ‘Derailed’ Biopic

by Daniel Johnson

February 8, 2024

Bojangles Accused Of Racism In Complaint From Former Manager

The lawsuit accuses Bojangles of violating the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and detailed several incidents Roslyn McManus alleges she experienced during her time working at the restaurant chain.

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Southern fast-food restaurant Bojangles is accused of having racist practices, according to a former employee.

Roslyn McManus has accused the North Carolina-based franchise of “unlawful employment practice” in a lawsuit. The 54-year-old Black woman, whom the company hired in December 2019, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina on Feb. 1. The lawsuit accuses Bojangles of violating the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and detailed several incidents she alleges she experienced during her time working at the restaurant chain.

According to the complaint, shortly after McManus started training, either in January or February of 2020, someone wrote “Support Trump 2020” in flour on a biscuit table. McManus believes the incident was racist because of “President Trump’s polarization and, at times, perceived racial insensitivity, particularly regarding issues involving racial protests.”

The complaint continued, “Moreover, some individuals who supported President Trump in 2020 were also associated with extremist or white supremacist groups.”

In the complaint, McManus alleges that during this same time period, Robert Yonyetye, a senior director of field training, would only speak to white employees whenever he visited the store where she was training. Once McManus graduated from the training and was assigned to another store, she says Bojangles management reneged on a promise they allegedly made to her when she was hired. According to her complaint, the company pledged to offer her a promotion from assistant general manager to general manager as soon as the opportunity presented itself.

However, once these positions opened up, they were filled by white candidates. Eventually, McManus received the promotion she sought, but according to her complaint, the store she was placed in put her in a position to hear racist remarks regularly. According to the complaint, Katie Murry, the white area director, “committed racially derogatory acts and made several racially derogatory comments towards African American employees.”

Murry was accused of making monkey noises and gestures around a Black employee, referring to Black managers as dumb, and only making derogatory comments about Black employees who were overweight. 

In May 2021, McManus sent a letter to the new area director, Zachary Caines, saying she intended to resign after working at the location for five months, where she averaged 80 hours a week while receiving no overtime pay past 50 hours. Caines promised to get her help if she did not resign, and McManus rescinded her resignation. Two months later, she reported two years’ worth of racist incidents to the company’s Human Resources Department, and the report was shared with Caines.

According to her complaint, Caines and another manager read her report and laughed in the restaurant. Later that day, she received an email notifying her that her upcoming shifts had been deleted, essentially firing her. McManus claimed Caines was culpable for her termination.

In September 2020, Mother Jones talked to employees of companies who had quit since January 2020. One former Bojangles employee, Keisha Tibbs, shared a story that seemed to indicate that the company has a deeply embedded culture of excusing or tacitly endorsing racism. After a group of customers called Tibbs a “Black bitch” and spat in her direction, her unit manager told Tibbs not to worry about it and to keep working.

Tibbs also alleged the manager directed the group to the front of the restaurant and said they could have whatever they wanted. She later quit.

Tibbs told the outlet that the incident led to an exodus of employees from that particular location. “I immediately left. That was my last day actually employed with Bojangles. Seven employees quit after I did. One of the managers and another employee walked out that day. The rest of the employees started leaving within that same week.”

In December 2023, Bojangles settled a suit brought by the EEOC, which alleged that the company engaged in sexual harassment and retaliation against the employee after she reported the incidents. The company agreed to pay $20,000 to the employee and institute various trainings on consent, sexual harassment, and retaliation in select restaurant locations. Bojangles also agreed not to rehire the manager who committed the sexual harassment.

Melinda C. Dugas, a regional attorney for the Charlotte District, emphasized the right of employees to work in an environment free from sexual harassment. “Employees have a right to be free from sexual harassment in the workplace,” Dugas said. “Employers cannot tolerate such conduct or allow managers to retaliate against employees for reporting the harassment.”

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