A Woman Says Victoria's Secret Called the Police on Her Because She Is Black
A woman is accusing a Victoria's Secret employee of racially profiling her when she went to return a bra, local news outlet and CBS affiliate WREG reports.
Jovita Jones Cage told WREG that she visited the store at the Carriage Crossing mall in Collierville, Tennessee, on Monday, June 4. She had previously bought a bra at the same Victoria's Secret location, but brought the item back when she realized that the security sensor had been accidentally left on. "[The employee] got the receipts out and was able to find the right one and remove the sensor," Jovita said. "I told her she could keep the bag there, because I was going to go shopping around the store."
According to Jovita, she was about to try on more clothes when she spotted a Collierville Police officer in the store who allegedly walked up and "slapped handcuffs" on her. Jovita claims that the officer instructed her to "put both of my hands behind my back, because I was under arrest for shoplifting." She claimed that he "aggressively" searched her bag, but when he determined that she hadn't been shoplifting, he escorted her from the store and told her she was "banned" from returning.
Jovita told WREG that the Victoria's Secret employee allegedly called the police without speaking to her. "I think it was for the simple fact that I was black," she explained, adding that the experience left her "traumatized and crying."
In a statement, Victoria's Secret addressed the incident, noting that the employee in question has since been terminated. "We are sincerely sorry for the experience Ms. Jones Cage had in our store," the statement began. "Bottom line, we made a mistake, and we do not tolerate this behavior. Our head of stores has been trying to reach Ms. Jones Cage to personally apologize for her experience. Victoria’s Secret is adamant that all customers be treated with dignity and respect. We have investigated the matter, and the associate involved is no longer employed with our brand. In addition, we are meeting with every associate in the store to reinforce our values and policies. We are committed to delivering an excellent shopping experience to every customer, every time … we have work to do — and we are dedicated to this mission."
In her interview with WREG, Jovita explained that she later complained to Victoria's Secret's corporate office, as well as the NAACP. She claims that a Victoria's Secret representative apologized and offered her a $100 gift card, but she refused to accept it. "They're going to have to do more," she explained. "I want justice not only for me, but for people everywhere. I hope after this, other victims of racial profiling will come forward. It's solidarity.... It's about everyone being treated fairly."
Teen Vogue has reached out to Victoria's Secret and the Collierville Police Department for comment.
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