An Instagram post went viral showing Emma Lee, 23, seen on surveillance footage wielding a hammer during an argument at her drive-thru coffee shop, A Taste of Heaven Espresso, in South Seattle.
She owns A Taste of Heaven Espresso in South Seattle.
.jpg "Barista Smashes Customer's Windshield After Throwing Coffee At Face - Pride Moment") |
| instagram/emmxxss |
Lee explained to a local news outlet that she only damaged the customer’s car after he got out of his vehicle, approached the drive-thru window, and threw an iced coffee at her.
She also claimed that the man threatened her by saying, “Nobody is going to miss you.”
"The excuse that he was unaware or deceived doesn't stand," she argued. "The prices are clearly stated."
.jpg "Barista Smashes Customer's Windshield After Throwing Coffee At Face - Pride Moment") |
| instagram/emmxxss |
Lee reported the incident to the police and has filed misdemeanor assault charges against the customer.
According to FOX 13, however, the man may counter Sue in small claims court for the damage to his windshield. Lee expresses confidence about facing legal action, believing she shouldn't be treated differently because she wears revealing attire while serving coffee.
"Why should such behavior be anticipated simply because of the setting? It's appalling," Lee remarked. "It's acceptable for him to be upset, but it's unacceptable for me to react?"
Lee also shared the surveillance footage of the altercation on Instagram.
Viewers justified hergoing after the customer’s car with a hammer.
She even updated her Instagram post saying
"Due to the unforeseen amount of attention this video has received, I want to take a moment to address the real issue here. The safety of women, more specifically those that are disproportionately less protected. We work alone in this industry, wearing nearly nothing and interacting with men (most of which we don’t know) all day. The majority of people we meet throughout our shifts are kind, respectful, overall amazing humans!"
She continued
"However, on occasion we see the ones that think it is appropriate to get violent both verbally and physically. It’s 2024 and the women in this industry know, these interaction happen on way too regular basis if not to us personally, to someone we know or love. At what point during an assault does a woman have the right to protect herself? What is the appropriate response?"
Emma explained
"I know this man. This wasn’t his first time being aggressive but it is the first time he’s ever gotten physically violent with me. He had gotten what he had paid for and was mad about the price. The fact that the first thing people want to know is what I did to deserve him throwing two drinks at me is disgusting. We need to change the narrative of these conversations. What is deserving of that? This is no longer the time of women that will smile and apologize, having our only acceptable response be the art of deescalation - this time, we will fight back! There is a famous quote “it is better to die on your feet, than live on your knees” - Emiliano Zapata"
What's your reaction?
.jpg "Barista Smashes Customer's Windshield After Throwing Coffee At Face - Pride Moment")
.jpg "Barista Smashes Customer's Windshield After Throwing Coffee At Face - Pride Moment")