Black Trump Supporter Harassed at Cheesecake Factory

MIAMI, Florida, May 16 -- Liberty Counsel issued the following news release:

Employees at a Miami Cheesecake Factory harassed and threatened a 22-year-old African American man for wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat on Mother's Day.

Eugenior (Eugene) Joseph, a 22-year-old supporter of President Trump, was having a Mother's Day lunch last Sunday with his girlfriend's family when the employees threatened and mocked him.

A large, intimidating African American male employee was standing near their table, staring at them angrily, pounding his clenched fist into his open hand. Another said, "I want to hit him so hard I knock that hat off his head." A woman who worked at the restaurant spotted Joseph and approached him as he sat at his table. She began pointing at his hat and gesturing for about a dozen other employees to approach Joseph's table and make menacing gestures as if to prepare for a physical fight. Some also referred to Joseph as the N-word while speaking to one another. Other employees in the kitchen were heard booing Joseph.

Joseph said, "I support President Trump and 'Making America Great Again,' first and foremost because of my faith. I am a Christian. I love President Trump. I am not afraid to think for myself. No one's opinion dictates who I support. I support whomever best aligns with the values of my Christian faith."

"President Trump supports a baby's right to life. I believe abortion is murder, because it kills a human life. Every baby is a person made in the image of God, from the moment of conception. 'Before I formed you in your mother's womb, I knew you,' says the Lord. I want people to know I support my president, because he supports what I believe in," said Joseph.

"Rather than being able to enjoy a Mother's Day dinner, Cheesecake Factory employees assaulted and harassed Mr. Joseph for being a young black man and supporting President Trump to "Make America Great Again,'' said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. "This was not an isolated incident by one errant employee, but rather a slew of employees. This is outrageous. No one should be harassed for their Christian or political beliefs. Cheesecake Factory must train and manage their employees. These employees should be held accountable for discriminating against Mr. Joseph. No one should be subjected to such harassment," said Staver.

Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics.