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Smoothie King Fires Ann Arbor Workers Who Refused Service Over Trump Hoodie

The company apologized to the couple following an internal review that triggered mandatory retraining at the store.

Overview

  • The viral TikTok showed two employees telling Erika and Jake Lindemyer they did not feel comfortable serving them because of his pro‑Trump sweatshirt at a franchised location in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
  • Smoothie King said the two workers are no longer with the business and reiterated a zero‑tolerance policy for discrimination, including political affiliation.
  • Both corporate representatives and the franchise owner contacted the couple to apologize and said staff at the location will undergo mandatory retraining on guest experience standards.
  • An individual identified in reports as Janiyah Williams claimed she was recorded as a minor without permission and linked a GoFundMe that raised about $415 before it was disabled.
  • Online reaction to the video was sharply divided, with some users contacting the company to complain and others arguing the employees could refuse service.