A gay man and his partner were attacked by Shake Shack workers for showing a public display of affection inside a Washington, D.C. location.
Christian Dingus, 28, says he and his partner were attacked by Shake Shack workers after they kissed while waiting for their food order.
Dingus said he and a group of friends went to the Dupont Circle location on Saturday night, he told NBC News. They were waiting for their food when he and his boyfriend shared a kiss.
“And while we were back there — kind of briefly — we began to kiss,” Dingus said. “And at that point, a worker came out to us and said that, you know, you can’t be doing that here, can’t do that type of stuff here.”
Dingus said his partner got upset at the employee and insisted the men had done nothing wrong. Dingus’ partner was then allegedly escorted out of the restaurant, where a heated verbal argument occurred.
Dingus said he asked the worker not to talk to his boyfriend that way.
“And then one of the men, pretty forcefully, like, pushed me out of the way on my shoulder,” Dingus said. “And then, you know, next thing I know, that kind of just, I think, sparked the rest of them… They all just kind of started attacking me at that point, dragging me back through the floor and continuously punching me in my head.”
Cell phone video shows restaurant workers punching, stomping and kicking two men on the ground outside the restaurant.
Why are Dupont Circle @shakeshack employees beating this gay man? Some say it was an hate crime? Anyone know? @WashProbs @glaad this IS CRAZY. pic.twitter.com/cSCCrGcPYk
— Dito (@DitoDC) August 18, 2024
One of the patrons gave a 30-second video clip to Dingus who uploaded it online.
“There was a desire to be violent towards me, and I think it’s very evident in that film,” Dingus said.
Shake Shack corporate office responded by suspending the workers pending an investigation.
Outraged social media users said the employees were only suspended (not fired) because they and the victims are part of 2 protected minority groups.
Watch the video below.
I used to be the GM of that location 9yrs ago. My staff at the time were friendly and while from the hood, most definitely did NOT act like that. Also and most importantly of all, they all knew I was gay and married, and never once made a remark about me or my husband.
— Yonaton Fernandez de Estrella (@lookin4ward83) August 18, 2024
We’re disturbed by a suspected #hatecrime outside Shake Shack in DC. This brutal incident is a reminder of the rise of anti-LGBTQ hate. We urge law enforcement to examine this matter swiftly. A threat to one member of our community is a threat to all.
— ADL Washington, D.C. (@ADL_WashDC) August 19, 2024
