A workplace dispute at a coffee shop in Seattle escalated into a violent incident between a barista and a customer.
A regular customer purchased a 32-ounce coffee and a 24-ounce water, which amounted to $22 in total. Nonetheless, the customer insisted on paying less than the usual fee.
The barista, Emma Lee, clarified that she typically charges this customer $20 for this order, but this time the customer sought to set the price himself.
Emma said, "You don't get to name your own price. No one is forcing you to come here."
She argued that the customer's claim of not knowing the prices or being scammed was not valid, as the prices were clearly listed.
The disagreement escalated, with the customer asserting that he was unaware of the prices and believed he was being deceived.
According to Emma, the customer then proceeded to state, "Nobody is going to miss you," while also yelling and spitting at her as he attempted to force open the window.
Eventually, the customer threw his drinks at Emma as a rude action.
In response, Emma retaliated by leaving her stand and using a hammer to shatter the windshield of the customer's vehicle. She then contacted the authorities and filed a misdemeanor assault complaint against the customer.
The customer has been barred from returning to Emma's coffee shop.
However, he retains the option of pursuing a small claims court case against her to recover the costs of the damaged windshield.
Emma, who wears swimsuits while working as a barista, does not seem apprehensive about the possibility of facing legal proceedings.
She addressed the border issue of the safety and protection of women, especially those working in industries where they interact with many unfamiliar customers on a daily basis.
On social media, Emma shared surveillance footage of the incident and addressed the broader issue of the safety and protection of women, especially those working in industries where they interact with many unfamiliar customers on a daily basis.
While the opinions on the incident were divided, many of Emma's followers came to her defense.
Don't see the issue here, got what he deserved, one user defended the barista's action.
I’m happy for this if he threatened her. He picked the wrong woman, and wrong service worker, the second user said.
He’s lucky it was the windshield she attacked and not him, the third user commented.
Throwing coffee in someone's face is like spitting in someone's face, that will sure enough get you f'kd up. You don't get to pick and choose how people react to you, another wrote.
Looks like he didn't understand what he was paying, that's a him problem. However she was the aggressor all the way through, someone said.
