Tesco worker sent home for ‘blacking up’ to dress as character from Big Momma’s House on Halloween
‘As soon as out store manager was made aware the colleague was asked to go home and change’ Tesco said
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Tesco worker had to be sent home on Hallowe’en after she turned up for work in an offensive fancy dress outfit.
The worker, who is understood to be white, arrived for work at the Tesco superstore in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, reportedly dressed as the main character from the Martin Lawrence film Big Momma’s House – and had ‘blacked up’ as part of her costume.
She was seen working on the shop floor but was sent home to take off the offensive make-up following a complaint from a customer.
Natalie Fitzpatrick took a picture of the worker in her costume and uploaded it to Tesco’s Facebook page, writing: “Whilst I embrace the spirit of Halloween, can you please explain to me what this staff member has come dressed as in the Airdrie superstore?
“I started out shocked, then a tad uncomfortable before feeling over-sensitive. Now I'm bloody furious and even more so because I questioned myself over the poor choices of YOUR staff.
“Really keen to understand the thought process behind this outfit and what consideration went into it before management decided it was okay.”
A Tesco customer care spokesperson replied to the comment, saying: “I'm deeply concerned to see this, and completely appreciate how upsetting this must have been for you to see,” befor promising to be in touch as soon as possible.
Ms Fitzpatrick told The Daily Record she is of Afro-Caribbean descent and had her six and eight-year old grandchildren with her when she saw the worker. She said she did not know “how I was going to explain it to them.”
“I never once suggested the staff member involved was racist but I felt the outfit was provocative and inflammatory,” she told the newspaper.
Tesco said in a statement: “As soon as our store manager was made aware, the colleague was asked to go home and change.
“We would like to apologise for any distress the outfit caused.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.