Disabled Muslim family sues Starbucks for $6 million, alleging discrimination after being
forcibly ejected from a Utah store
over seating.
SALT
LAKE CITY, July 6, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- A
$6 million lawsuit has been filed
against Starbucks Corporation by a disabled Muslim family following
a troubling incident at a Midvale,
Utah store. The plaintiffs—Mr. Hossein Kaveh, his wife Faranak Sedarat, and his mother-in-law Banou
Afsar Sedarat—accuse Starbucks of discrimination after being
forcibly ejected by police at the request of store management. Law
enforcement body-cam footage shows the moments when they were
forced to leave or face arrest.
The Kaveh family alleges they were targeted and
discriminated against due to their Middle-Eastern background and
Muslim faith, stemming from a dispute over handicapped seating.
Despite showing a valid handicapped placard, the family was accused
of causing a disturbance and forcefully removed by police from the
store at 7184 Union Park Ave.
The lawsuit highlights the Kaveh family's ordeal, including loud
accusations from another customer in a wheelchair, who claimed
plaintiffs had no right to the handicapped table. Despite attempts
to resolve the situation amicably, including Mr. Kaveh asking
able-bodied patrons to move, the situation escalated. Starbucks
management called law enforcement, allegedly
misrepresenting the family's behavior, leading to the plaintiffs'
public ejection and an indefinite ban from the store.
Witnesses corroborate the family's account, noting that the
disturbance was caused by the other customer, not the Kaveh family.
Body-cam footage from police captures Starbucks management
specifically requesting the family's removal. The footage shows the
family complying without resistance, aiding their elderly disabled
mother in leaving the store.
Mr. Kaveh, an Iranian immigrant and retired engineer, expressed
disbelief at the treatment. "In my 45 years in this country, I've
never had any issue with the law or police," he said. His wife,
Faranak, holds a master's degree in economics, and his
mother-in-law, Banou, is a retired school teacher.
The Kaveh family seeks $6 million
plus punitive damages for the humiliation and emotional distress
they endured. They demand a public apology from Starbucks, the
right to return without fear of discrimination, and a commitment
from Starbucks to address and rectify discriminatory policies
globally. "What happened to us, I hope nobody has to go through,"
Mr. Kaveh added.
Attorney Pace W. Johnson, representing the plaintiffs,
emphasized the broader implications of the case. "This lawsuit is
about holding corporate giants accountable for actions and policies
that can affect people's lives. Nobody should suffer discrimination
under any constitutional basis. We stand firm in our commitment to
fighting for the rights of individuals to be free from
discrimination," Johnson stated.
Filed in the United States
District Court for the District of Utah, case no. 2:24-cv-00291, the lawsuit
claims Starbucks violated the Americans with Disabilities Act,
Civil Rights Act, and Utah Civil Rights Act. Starbucks denies the
claims and is seeking to dismiss the suit.
For further information or to schedule an interview, please
contact:
Ryan Hogan
Pace Johnson Law Group
Website: https://www.pacejohnsonlaw.com/
Email: media@pacejohnson.com
Telephone: (385) 347-3111
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SOURCE Pace Johnson Law Group