ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Smoothie King moved to stir down mounting backlash on Monday after reports that employees at its Ann Arbor location refused service to a couple because the man wore a President Donald Trump sweatshirt.

Smoothie King issued a statement on Monday night after the viral story drew ire from people nationwide.

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The company posted on X: “As a brand, Smoothie King is committed to ensuring our stores are a place free of discrimination of any kind, where every guest and team member is treated with care and respect. Following an investigation into an incident involving a guest who was refused service at a franchised location in Michigan yesterday, the franchise owner has taken immediate action and the two employees involved are no longer with the business. Both the franchise owner and Smoothie King corporate have reached out to the guest several times to apologize and will continue to follow up. The local owner is also taking further action and enforcing mandatory retraining for all employees that outlines our guest experience standards.”

Erika Lindemyer and her husband, Jake Lindemyer, shared the video on social media over the weekend that shows the interaction between the couple and the employees.

 

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The employee at the center of the video, who identified herself as Janiyah Mishelle, responded on Monday afternoon by explaining her side. “It was the day after Black History Month” and her coworker said “Yeah, we’re uncomfortable because of your husband’s sweater.”

Smoothie King has roughly 1,200 franchise locations nationwide.