This is an issue that is finally coming to light.
In a new lawsuit, Moschino is accused of using code words to identify black non-celebrity shoppers.
Former Moschino employee Shamael Lataillade, who filed a lengthy complaint against the brand in a California state court on Friday, claims that Ranna Selbak, her manager at the West Hollywood, Los Angeles-based Moschino outpost, who is also named as a defendant in the case, would call non-celebrity black shoppers “Serena” and would encourage staff members to “closely watch” and even follow them. –via TheFashionLaw
To add more fire to the fuel of these claims, the employees were ordered to do even more racial profiling like actions.
Selbak enforced a specific “protocol” when a black individual – who “was not a celebrity and did not have an outward appearance of money via diamonds or name brands” and whom she believed “couldn’t afford items in the store” – entered into the store. In addition to the “Serena” code word, Selbak would “take pictures of [their] licenses plates”
The lawsuit that was filed is for wrongful termination and details Lataillade’s experience working there. It honestly sounds like Moschino have some serious problems going on there.
This lawsuit also tells us that this type issue goes on with many black men and women who simply want to shop. It’s a sad thing to see unfold and I sincerely hope people can now start to realize simple things like this can cause many more issues, like a lawsuit.