FedEx ‘appalled’ after worker says he’ll withhold packages from Biden-supporting homes
‘Nothing American about trying to divide the country more than it already is’
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.FedEx has condemned a former employee who publicly bragged that he wouldn’t deliver packages to Biden supporters.
Vincent Paterno, 39, made the provocative claim in a 16 September TikTok video, in which he delivered a foul-mouthed rant while wearing his FedEx uniform.
“What’s up, TikTok?” Mr Paterno said. “Just wanted to come on here and let all you know if you don’t have a flag in front of your house, and if you have a Joe Biden, Kamala f***ing camel toe posted up in front of your house, or Black Lives Matter, I will not deliver your s***.”
The video quickly went viral, and drew howls of protest from other TikTok users.
“This man just admitted to withholding mail over political beliefs,” one wrote in a comment directed “@FBI.”
“You about to lose your job,” another wrote.
“I don’t feel like him getting fired is enough for me,” someone else argued. “People get medicine delivered to them. I want him arrested.”
Eventually, FedEx itself weighed in.
“We are appalled by the behavior depicted in this video, which does not reflect the views of FedEx,” a spokesperson for the company told TooFab. “This individual is no longer providing service on behalf of the company.”
On TikTok, there has been some debate about whether Mr Paterno was fired or quit. Mr Paterno says he told FedEx he was leaving the company long before he posted his controversial video.
As proof, he posted screenshots of two text conversations that he says were with his boss, in which he appears to give notice in August and then follows up on 13 September. The viral video was posted three days later.
On TikTok, however, users were unconvinced.
“He got fired and says he quit,” one wrote, adding an “lol” emoji.
“Boy am I glad you got fired,” another taunted.
“Do your job bro,” another commented. “Nothing American about trying to divide the country more than it already is.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments