Black Woman Says She Was Victim Of Blatant Racism By White Man At Westin Hotel
PASADENA (CBSLA) — A black woman says she was the victim of blatant and overt racism while staying at the upscale Westin Hotel in Pasadena.
A black woman confronted a white man who asked her and her daughter if they showered before getting in the pool. She says he claimed to be the health inspector but she wasn't buying it.
On cellphone video that captured the confrontation the man explains to a hotel employee, "I simply asked them if they'd showered. I'm sorry."
The man goes on to explain that "I'm tired of getting in pools people consider baths."
The black woman pointed out to the white man that he asked "no one else" in the pool if they had showered.
He said there was no one else in the pool and and she exploded saying, "There's plenty of people over there in the G--d damn pool."
The shouting caught the attention of hotel staff who quickly got involved. One staff member told the man he was acting inappropriately.
The man again tried to justify his actions by saying, "Google it. Google the diseases in pools."
The Westin's manager was also brought in, and he took the woman's side.
"I don't know what's going on," before asking the man to exit. "Please leave. Thank you very much. Ladies, over here, please."
Carle Wheeler, who was visiting from Texas, posted the video on social media along with a second video sharing her thoughts.
"It's just sad that in 2018 we are still dealing with these issues and still having to teach our children things that people had to teach their children in the 50's and 60's. Nothing has changed," Wheeler said.
Management at the Westin confirmed the incident happened and told Cruz the man who was complaining doesn't work for the hotel and they don't believe he is a health inspector, either.
They also sent Cruz a statement that reads,"In light of recent events, we feel it important to share that we do not condone the comments or behavior directed toward our pool guests. The safety and security of our guests is our top priority, and we strive to maintain an environment where our guests feel welcome and are treated with equal respect and attention from our team. "
The hotel told Cruz that the woman's stay was comped. They also said the man is not allowed to return.
On Friday, the Pasadena Public Health Department issued a statement about the man who alleged he was a health department employee
"The man in the video is not an employee of the Pasadena Public Health Department. All City of Pasadena employees wear official identification during business hours and when conducting business out of the office," wrote the department.