Last week, we reported about an outraged customer who claimed a California Walmart locked black hair products behind glass. Essie Grundy is not playing with the company and their racist tactics and is suing Walmart for discrimination.
California Woman Is Suing Walmart For Locking Up African American Hair And Skin Products! #walmart
pic.twitter.com/ZLeUKv6x0b— The People's Content (@ThePplsContent) January 28, 2018
According to NBC Los Angeles, attorney Gloria Allred held an afternoon news conference Friday where Grundy spoke about her issues.
"It was something I had to stand up for," Grundy said. "I would like the glass to go down, and for things to go back to the way it was, where it's not segregated and everything is where everyone can get what they need."
Grundy, a mother of five, said the issue arose when she went to the Walmart at 1800 N. Perris Blvd. in Perris, Calif. on Jan. 12. Grundy was shocked that the black hair and skin items were "segregated" while beauty products for other races were easily available to customers. According to Allred, Grundy said she was not allowed to touch the lotion she wanted until she purchased it, accompanied by an employee to the register.
When she returned to the Walmart once again to buy a $0.48 comb, the section was in the same condition, with a security camera overhead. Other non-African American products that were more expensive were not behind the glass.
These tactics made Grundy feel like a "criminal," a big part of her suit.
Walmart has responded to claims of discrimination with the following:
"We serve more than 140 million customers weekly, crossing all demographics, and are focused on meeting their needs while providing the best shopping experience at each store.
We’re sensitive to this situation and also understand, like other retailers, that some products such as electronics, automotive, cosmetics and other personal care products are subject to additional security. Those determinations are made on a store-by-store basis using data supporting the need for the heightened measures. While we’ve yet to review a complaint, we take this situation seriously and look forward to addressing it with the court."
We can't wait to see how this one plays out.