The bouncer who was a victim of a racist rant has expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported him.
“I was truly blown away with the overwhelming support over racial slurs, verbal assault and threats – could make a government agency go into disrepute,” wrote Finn MacCuhal’s Irish Pub bouncer Tamehana Tai-Rakena on Facebook.
“This video burnt out of control. Sat to Monday afternoon 100000 people viewed this vid. 6 o’clock news 2.5 million people viewed the vid, and it was all because of use. So thank you very much awesome work to all,” he added.
The video shows two Ministry of Social Development workers racially abusing Tai-Rakena, who told the woman “You’re not coming in here girl, you’re too intoxicated. Away you go.”
Watch the video here.
“(It’s because) we’re white, that’s the problem, we’re white, that’s the problem,” said the Ministry of Social Development (MSD employee. “Racist…. racist sh**. F****** n*****s, that’s racist sh**. That’s what it is, racist sh**. That’s what it is.”
Tom Condon, the bar owner, said that Tai-Rakena was already being abused for about 13 minutes before taking out his phone and started filming.
Condon added that it will not be fair to his workers if the two will be allowed back to the bar, but he would forgive them if they come forward and apologise.
The MSD has launched an investigation, saying that “Work and Income will not tolerate poor behaviour or racist language,” and that they are taking this matter very seriously.” They have also already talked to a number of people at the bar.
The two of the Work and Income staff members have already been stood down.
“In the interests of a fair process, this investigation needs to be completed before we can comment further,” said the ministry in a statement.
