A vulgar response to a post from NBA star LeBron James had led to PJ’s Coffee removing the franchisee for the Chartres Street - French Quarter location.
Whenever action is taken against someone for a social media post, there is both a positive and negative reaction.
On Monday, LeBron James posted, “Protect our Young Black Women and Men.” Local PJ’s Coffee franchise owner, Stephen Bruno, Jr. responded with “Eat a [eggplant emoji].” The eggplant emoji is known as a symbol for a penis.
When PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans was made aware of the post from the franchisee the company issued the following statement:
“PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans is a brand that is founded upon serving the communities in which we reside. We have grown to a national and international brand due in part to our locally-owned franchisees and the wonderful customers that support them. We are disappointed in the commentary Stephne Bruno, Jr. publicly displayed through social media. As such, Stephen Bruno, Jr. has been removed as a franchisee from the locally-owned and operated franchise location. The existing franchisees of that location are well-respected within our community and have proven to be collaborative franchise partners for many years.”
Stephen Bruno, Jr. has not publicly commented.
Did the franchisee, as an individual, have a right to respond the way he did to the post by LeBron James? Yes, he did. But it is common knowledge in 2021 that we can be held accountable for what we say, and that includes social media posts.
Some may see the punishment of the PJ’s franchisee as bullying on the part of the company. Others will view the company’s reaction as an appropriate step toward denouncing insensitivity over race relations.
The company was right to remove the franchisee as punishment for his post. To respond to the idea of “protecting young Black women and men” with telling the poster to “eat a d***” can only be interpreted as a sign of a racist mentality. Promoting the protection of young Blacks in America is an innocent plea. For that to have been met with s vulgar suggestion is unacceptable and should lead to consequences.
I understand the argument that an individual has his/her right to express their opinions, but I also agree with the freedom that a company has to establish consequences for an individual related to the company when that individual does something to hurt the image of the company.
It’s 2021 - nothing about this should be a surprise to anyone. You are responsible for what you say, do, and post. Even those in the business of giving their opinions can be held accountable for a vulgar response to a sensitive issue.
Think before you post!
