Virginia Steakhouse Confronts $5 Million Racial Discrimination Lawsuit
A group of nine Black women has initiated a substantial $5 million civil rights lawsuit against an upscale Virginia steakhouse, Cork & Bull Chophouse in Chesapeake. The plaintiffs allege they were subjected to racial profiling and wrongful removal from the establishment following a physical altercation that did not involve them.
Allegations of Racial Profiling and Wrongful Removal
The incident reportedly occurred on November 6, 2025, when the women were celebrating Friendsgiving at the restaurant. According to their account, they had just ordered drinks when two other women, unrelated to their party, engaged in a violent brawl. Surveillance footage from that evening shows one woman in black attire grabbing another wearing hot pink by the hair and delivering repeated punches, leading to tables being overturned before staff intervened.
Shakoya Holt, one of the plaintiffs, recounted to local media that despite having no involvement in the fight, restaurant management demanded her group leave. "I asked why and he responded, saying 'because you all like to fight,'" Holt stated, describing the experience as "a night of hurt, embarrassment and humiliation." The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, claims the women faced wrongful removal, racial stereotyping, denial of service, and verbal assault.
Legal and Community Response
The legal complaint argues that the women were "visibly distinguishable" from other patrons, as they were all dressed in white tops and jeans. It further alleges that even after police confirmed their non-involvement and permitted them to collect belongings, they endured verbal abuse from employees. The suit notes that at least one woman required medical treatment for stress, while others sought counselling following the traumatic event.
Attorney Joyvan Malbon-Griffin, representing the plaintiffs, emphasised the disparity in treatment: "All nine of these women were treated more harshly than the two people who were actually engaged in the misdemeanor action." The NAACP Virginia State Conference and its Chesapeake Branch have declared solidarity, with Reverend Cozy Bailey condemning the incident as "a painful reminder that racism remains embedded in our daily lives."
Restaurant's Defence and Community Fallout
In response, restaurant owner Robert 'Brian' Mullins has defended his staff's actions, asserting that an extensive internal review of surveillance footage supported their decisions. Mullins claimed the women were invited to discuss the incident but declined the offer. He vehemently denied any racial motivation, stating in an open letter: "We deny in the strongest possible terms that racism of any kind or type played a role in the decisions made by our staff."
The controversy has sparked community protests outside the restaurant, which Mullins alleges have damaged the establishment's reputation and revenue. He reported receiving threatening communications and described protests as "staged" to disrupt service. Meanwhile, Malbon-Griffin countered that the proposed meeting location at the restaurant was unacceptable to the plaintiffs, as it remains a traumatising environment, with many now hesitant to dine out.
As the case proceeds, Mullins expressed confidence in a legal vindication, stating the restaurant is prepared to rebut the accusations with evidence. The lawsuit seeks $5 million in damages for alleged malicious and reckless conduct, highlighting ongoing tensions over racial equity in public accommodations.
