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A Kirkland store, MC Smoke, is at the center of controversy as a customer, Quiana Ross, alleges discrimination and assault during a shopping incident. Ross claims the store owner physically attacked her after noticing she was recording the interaction. However, store owner Yeong Pan argues there was a misunderstanding and language barrier, stating Ross threatened a negative review. The incident, caught on surveillance, is under investigation by Kirkland Police.
Photo from News
Sequence of Events Unfold in Store Altercation
Quiana Ross describes the altercation, revealing that after recording inside MC Smoke, the store owner allegedly grabbed her purse, scratched her, and took her card as items scattered. Ross emphasizes she was neither rude nor disrespectful during the encounter.
Surveillance footage shows Ross examining cigars before turning on her phone camera. In the video, she asserts her profession and viewer count, warning of the incident’s public visibility. The owner questions the recording, leading to a physical struggle captured on camera.
Kirkland Police are investigating the incident, which occurred on Thursday afternoon. Ross initially agreed to speak with KIRO 7 News but later declined. Store owner Yeong Pan, in response, claims Ross threatened a bad review, and he apologizes if she felt mistreated, citing a language barrier.
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Language Barrier and Misunderstanding
Yeong Pan denies knowing about Ross’s recording for most of the incident, attributing the altercation to a language barrier. He states that in his country, the term “black consumer” refers to a problematic customer but insists it’s not racially motivated.
Using a translation app, Pan clarifies the term’s meaning, suggesting it denotes a customer creating issues and demanding excessive compensation. He expresses regret if Ross interpreted the situation negatively and apologizes for any distress caused.
Efforts to communicate with Quiana Ross were unsuccessful, and Kirkland Police continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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