A veteran sports journalist has forced a groveling apology from a Bay Side home retailer after revealing he was among a group of black shoppers who were sideways watched by overzealous security.
Marc J Spears claims his friends were racially profiled when they visited Anthem Interiors, while he was told to enter the police station and advised 'they won't arrest you' when he asked to use the toilet.
Spears, 51, said he felt a depressing familiarity when he entered the Healdsburg, California, store with his five friends on Saturday during dinner and wine tasting.
“I walked in and I could just feel it,” the ESPN writer posted on Instagram.
'Anyone who has a racist profile knows it when it happens.
Veteran sportswriter Marc J Spears was with four black friends when he claims they were racially profiled while visiting Anthem Interiors in Healdsburg, California
Store founder and owner Janelle Loevner said it was 'devastating' to hear the claim and apologized for his experience
The store is part of a series from the popular home decoration chain, but says it has no bathroom
“The store clerks were kind of staring at us with a frown.
“You just feel like someone is watching you and watching what you're doing, like they're expecting you to rob them.”
He said this time he resisted his usual urge to make the staff feel comfortable by buying something expensive “to prove my worth and them wrong.”
But he didn't want to resist the urge to go to the toilet.
“I tried to give the lady who worked there the benefit of the doubt by asking if she knew where the nearest bathroom was,” he said.
“She suggested I go to the Healdsburg Police Department across the street and use their facilities. 'Confused, I asked her why I would go to the toilet in a police station?
“Her response was that it's no problem if they don't arrest you.”
The co-host of the Hulu series “The Conversations Project” has more than half a million followers on social media and sparked an almost immediate response from store owner Janelle Loevner when he recounted the experience online.
“I just want you to know that we are sending all customers across the street to the police station to use the restroom!” she posted on Instagram.
ESPN's senior NBA writer is a popular and respected figure among colleagues
Spears, 51, also co-hosts the Hulu series “The Conversations Project”
“This was not directed at you personally and I have heard our employees joke to our customers about sending people there regardless of the color of the person.
“I understand how it could have been misinterpreted, but I promise you that wasn't the intention.”
Spears' followers expressed their sympathy and admiration for his subdued response.
“I think it's amazing that you had to experience something like this, something that happens far too often,” Sean Cunningham wrote.
'Serious!? Go to the toilet at a police station, won't they arrest you?' added Kelly E Carter.
“I'm glad you didn't give her your hard-earned money to prove a point. Although maybe she could use it to take a diversity communications course on how to talk to potential customers.'
Spears said he left immediately after the exchange, but had trouble dismissing the experience as he drove back to his hotel that evening.
“I started thinking about it more and more, and it really disturbed me,” he added.
Loevner, who runs a chain of Anthem Interiors stores in the Bay Area, said she has instructed staff to change the unfunny “schtick” they deliver to customers who request the bathroom.
“I am deeply sorry that this was his experience,” she told the newspaper SF Chronicle.
'I worked very long and hard to build a solid business. I care deeply about the community, my employees, everything. So it's just devastating that this is happening.
The writer has more than 500,000 followers online and immediately caused a reaction when he shared his experiences on social media
“I don't think I have racist employees because if I did, they would be the first to leave the company – I would not tolerate that in any way.
“It's just a perfect storm of unfortunate circumstances. I don't think it was racist, but I'm not in Marc's shoes, I didn't grow up as a black man in America.'
Spears said he “felt the apology was sincere” and thanked Loevner for “a great dialogue and honest conversation.”
'Respect and thank you. We are moving forward better,” he added.