Old Navy Apologizes To Woman For Alleged Racially Profiling

BY Erika Marie 13.5K Views
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Old Navy
The company also stated that the employee has been fired.

An Old Navy Canada employee is out of a job after a video went viral that showed her grabbing a customer that she accused of shoplifting. Ontario, Canada resident Lisa Calderon shared videos on her Facebook page that showed the encounter she had with an Old Navy employee and mall security guards. Calderon claims that she visited the store because she wanted to exchange some merchandise. She writes that she was being racially profiled and it made her feel uncomfortable, so instead of making the exchange, she just decided to leave and go somewhere else.

However, while she was at another store looking at shoes, an Old Navy associate named Stephanie approached her and accused her of shoplifting. According to Calderon, Stephanie said that Calderon exited Old Navy wearing a different shirt than when she'd entered. "She then proceeded to put her hands on me in front of security guard Quesada 10830909, after getting very irate they advised her to let go, I went back to the store and had to wait, after she already said she previously seen the video. Her manager Gillian Pike than apologized, took my info after approx 15mins and said they would get back to me with the district store manager."

Calderon continued, "I would’ve been more calm and understanding if she didn’t accuse me first, and would’ve been happy to show my receipt, especially because I voiced my racial profile complaint to the employee before I left the store. This needs to stop, Stephanie had no Right to aggressively lay her hands on me and accuse me of stealing a $13 dollar top, had she not have done that this situation would’ve ended quietly."

It's been two days since the video of the incident first hit social media and after the video went viral, Old Navy Canada issued an apology on their Twitter account. "Old Navy was founded to be a place where everyone belongs. It’s been a part of our culture & values since day one, and that makes it even more upsetting when incidents occur that don’t reflect those values."

"We are so sorry that our customer Lisa Calderon had an unacceptable experience in one of our stores, and we apologize for letting her down. We investigated quickly & thoroughly," the company continued. "The employee involved in this situation is no longer with Old Navy. Our commitment to ensuring everyone who shops and works in our stores feels welcome & respected is a top priority. As part of our commitment, we have ongoing training for our employees and strict policies in accordance with our values."


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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