Home Depot has fired back at actor Tyrese Gibson, who recently filed a $1 million lawsuit against the company, alleging racial discrimination. According to Home Depot, there is video evidence that contradicts Gibson’s claims.
Key Takeaway
Home Depot disputes Tyrese Gibson’s allegations of racism and presents surveillance footage as evidence contradicting his claims. The company contends that there was no face-to-face conversation between Gibson and their cashiers, and that he was required to physically return to the store to verify his ID for the transaction to be completed.
New Evidence Challenges Gibson’s Version of Events
In response to Gibson’s lawsuit, Home Depot has presented new legal documents that shed light on the incident. According to the company, Gibson made a purchase at their store and then decided to continue shopping, leaving the register unattended for 25 minutes. This forced the cashier to clear out the transaction and caused a delay.
This version of events differs from Gibson’s original complaint, where he blamed a computer glitch for the delay. Furthermore, Gibson claimed that he felt uncomfortable due to the delay and went to the parking lot instead of overseeing the transaction. He insisted that he had communicated his instructions to the cashier before leaving the store.
Home Depot, however, disputes this account and asserts that their surveillance footage shows no face-to-face conversation between Gibson and any of their cashiers. They also deny Gibson’s claim that he authorized his helpers to complete the purchase on his behalf.
Surveillance Footage Shows a Heated Discussion and ID Verification
According to Home Depot, the surveillance footage captured Gibson returning to the store and engaging in a heated discussion. The disagreement ultimately ended with Gibson showing his ID and the cashier completing the transaction.
While Gibson stated that he had a FaceTime conversation with the cashier from outside the store and authorized the payment, Home Depot denies this. According to the company, the cashier requested physical verification of Gibson’s ID, stating that FaceTime was insufficient.
Home Depot Questions Gibson’s Longevity as a Customer
Gibson had previously expressed reluctance to sue Home Depot due to his long-standing relationship with the company. He referred to the store as his “Disneyland.” However, Home Depot now casts doubt on the extent and duration of Gibson’s patronage, stating that they do not have records of his shopping history.
As the lawsuit continues, it remains to be seen whether Gibson’s claims of racial discrimination will hold up in court. Home Depot’s presentation of surveillance footage challenging his account adds a new dimension to the legal battle.
