Witness Says Brawl At SOBE Whopper Bar Was Not Anti-Gay Attack
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
MIAMI BEACH (CBSMiami) -- After a scuffle broke out inside a South Beach Whopper Bar last week that was allegedly set off after a gay couple became affectionate, a witness has come forward with a different story.
Surveillance video inside the Whopper Bar last week showed two men fighting while dozens waited in line for food.
Jordan Schaefer, a gay man, said that he was beaten because he kissed his partner.
"It's not right that anyone should suffer a hate crime. And to be a victim based on the person that they are," Schaefer said.
But at least one person, who said he witnessed the incident, took to Facebook saying it wasn't a hate crime at all.
Tim Baird wrote on his wall:
"I'm posting about this story because it's starting to spread like wildfire. Some friends and I witnessed this incident (yes, at the Whopper Bar in South Beach on a Sunday Night) and the story being told by Jordan is completely inaccurate. As we saw it, he is mainly responsible for the fight and the altercation had nothing to do with his sexual identity. I've already contacted Miami police to offer my perspective, if they want it."
After the incident, Miami Beach Police said they were investigating to see what provoked the attack and are trying to find the man seen in the video fighting with Schaefer.
In a statement Thursday to CBS4 News, the police department said:
"Miami Beach Police has received new witness information. As with any case, we will investigate all leads thoroughly. We encourage anyone with information to come forward and speak with detectives. We still need help identifying the males seen in the video."
Schaefer's attorney refused to comment on the Facebook posts.
If you witnessed the incident or know the other persons involved, contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.