Suit claims humiliation by Target store managers caused cashier's suicide
A cashier at a Target store committed suicide after managers allegedly directed his humiliating “walk of shame” in front of co-workers, a shaming imposed on workers suspected of theft, according to a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles superior court.
The suit was filed by the mother of 22-year-old Graham Gentles, who worked at a Target in Pasadena, report City News Service, ABC7.com, CBS Los Angeles and NBC Los Angeles.
The suit filed by Virginia Gentles says her son was met by police and Target security workers when the young man arrived at work on July 15. The suit alleges that Graham Gentles was handcuffed at the direction of store managers, and paraded through the store before co-workers and customers. He was led to an office, where he was questioned, and then taken to the police station. He was never charged.
“He said that it was the worst day of his life because he didn’t understand what was going on,” Virginia Gentles told ABC7.com. “They humiliated him. That was their purpose.”
Gentles, who had Asperger’s syndrome, committed suicide three days later.
The complaint alleges false imprisonment, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress. “The walk of shame is a Target policy to purposely cause shame, embarrassment and emotional distress to any Target employee who is suspected of stealing from Target,’’ the suit claims.
Target released a statement expressing sympathy for Virginia Gentles, while declining to comment on the lawsuit.
