What began as a lighthearted TikTok video at a California In-N-Out Burger took a dark turn when a man subjected two friends to a barrage of homophobic and racial slurs. The incident, captured on camera, has sparked outrage and led to hate crime charges against the perpetrator.
Irene Kim and her friend were filming a TikTok video at an In-N-Out in San Ramon, California, when their joyful moment was interrupted by the unsettling comments of a stranger, later identified as 40-year-old Jordan Croft.
In the video, Croft can be heard making disturbing remarks, calling Kim and her friend “weird homosexuals” and making inappropriate references to Kim Jong-un. Kim, who is of Korean descent, was particularly targeted with slurs related to her ethnicity.
Irene Kim records a man harassing her at In-N-Out
Despite Kim’s friend attempting to defuse the situation with humor while expressing her concern, Croft’s harassment escalated. He threatened to spit in their faces, creating a hostile and unsafe environment for the two women.
Throughout the evening, Croft continued to return to their table, further escalating their fear and anxiety. Kim and her friend decided to remain at the restaurant until it closed, requesting an employee to ensure their safety as they left.
Irene Kim records a man's harassing behavior at an In-N-Out
Following the incident, Kim posted the video online, quickly gaining widespread attention, including that of the San Ramon Police Chief. Law enforcement swiftly identified and apprehended Croft, who was subsequently arrested and is now facing hate crime charges in California.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent presence of hate-motivated behavior and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. The courage displayed by Kim and her friend in coming forward shines a light on the need for continued vigilance in combating all forms of discrimination and prejudice.
