T.I. Leads Protest Against Atlanta Restaurant for Alleged Discriminatory Practices [VIDEO]
When it comes to activism, T.I. isn’t afraid to put in the work. Over the weekend, the Atlanta rapper led a protest against a popular restaurant chain in Atlanta.
Tip was among the throng of demonstrators who were protesting outside of Houston's on Saturday (Sept. 7). This after Deb Antney, manager and mother of Waka Flocka Flame, and actress Ernestine Johnson, have both claimed that the restaurant refused to sit their large groups. A #BoycottHoustons social media campaign was launched urging customers to not eat Houston's restaurant.
“We want to bring attention to the way that they're conducting their business, and for anybody else who has discriminated against,” T.I. told 11Alive.
“This is the kind of activity that we will not accept in our community, as a culture, and with us having buying power in this city,” he continued.
Reps for Houston's did issued a statement on its Instagram page denying allegations of being discriminatory to their customers. "We have employed a diverse, hard-working staff serving Atlanta’s similarly diverse clientele for many years," the statement reads. "Charges of discrimination are not only unfounded but are an intentional manipulation using social media. Our policies and guidelines apply equally to everyone."
"Our restaurants are not set up to accommodate large groups, with only a limited number of tables that can accommodate large parties together," the statement continues. "Our Houston’s in Atlanta recently instituted a policy whereby large parties of 7 or more will not be split into separate groups at different tables, which means that larger groups may not be able to dine with us at certain times. We decided to close our Lenox Houston’s today from the anticipation of protests and threats made against the restaurant and staff members. We will always choose the side of caution when it comes to protecting our valued staff and guests."
Check out T.I's videos below as well as the statement issued by Houston's restaurant.