Racist Facebook Posts Attributed to Detroit Restaurant Owner Spark Outrage | Eater Detroit

"Owned by restaurateur Sean Harrington, this downtown Detroit taqueria was thrust into controversy after screenshots circulated of alleged social-media posts and messages attributed to him that contained racist language and wished harm on protesters. The posts criticized the governor’s “Stay Home” order as “bullshit,” called elected officials hypocrites for attending demonstrations without apparent social distancing, questioned counts of COVID-19 deaths (specifically citing “spring break kids” and “people getting haircuts in Lansing”), and included statements expressing hope for a rising death toll among rioters and those who "screw with small business owners and employees." A critic who challenged these remarks was reportedly met with comments invoking “slave catching” imagery and other racially charged language, and the exchanges culminated with offensive replies that were screenshotted and shared online. The revelations prompted social-media backlash, one-star reviews on Yelp, and calls to boycott the business; the screenshots’ sharer says she will no longer patronize the establishment. The posts have since been taken down, the reporter did not receive a response to outreach, and the owner says he and his family have received threats in response to the fallout." - Brenna Houck