Seattle, Washington – A coffee stand owner in South Seattle found herself in a tense situation last week when a customer became agitated over the price of his drinks. Surveillance video captured the heated exchange between the owner, Emma Lee of Taste of Heaven Espresso, and the disgruntled customer on June 11.
In the video, the customer is seen throwing drinks at Lee, prompting her to retaliate by shattering his windshield with a hammer. Lee defended her actions by stating, “Women are allowed to respond when there is danger in ways other than crying,” emphasizing the unfortunate reality faced by many women in the industry.
According to Lee, the video shared online only captured a small portion of the 15-minute encounter, during which the customer refused to leave and expressed his dissatisfaction over the drink prices despite being a repeat customer. Lee described the customer’s behavior as highly inappropriate, leading her to take drastic measures to protect herself.
The video has since garnered significant attention, with many individuals sharing their opinions on the incident. Despite facing criticism, Lee stands by her decision to defend herself and her business. She expressed fear during the encounter but also had confidence that the situation would not escalate further.
Addressing the negative comments she received, Lee highlighted the importance of changing the narrative surrounding the incident, shifting the focus from victim-blaming to holding individuals accountable for their actions. She emphasized that all women, regardless of their profession, deserve to be treated with respect.
Regarding legal action, Lee reported the incident to the police, who intervened and persuaded the man to leave the premises. She cooperated with the authorities by providing them with the surveillance video footage capturing the entire interaction. Despite the traumatic experience, Lee remains dedicated to her job and the majority of respectful customers who support her business.
In response to the incident, both men and women have rallied around Lee, demonstrating their solidarity and backing her business. Seattle police have indicated that the man in the video may face charges of fourth-degree assault, underscoring the severity of his actions. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of mutual respect and civility in all interactions, irrespective of the circumstances.