A mother is suing Target because she believes that the popular chain is responsible for her 22 year olds suicide.
Graham Gentles was fired without warning from the Pasadena Target. Shortly after he was let go the 22-year-old committed suicide by jumping off the roof of a hotel in Monrovia, California
Now, Virginia Gentles, the victim’s mother is suing Target for inflicting emotional distress toward her son. Graham had Asperger’s Syndrome and took the walk of shame that fired employees were allegedly required to do.
The suit, filed last Thursday, according to NBC Los Angeles states, “The walk of shame is a Target policy to purposely cause shame, embarrassment and emotional distress to any Target employee who is suspected of stealing from Target. The policy consists of employees being arrested and paraded in handcuffs through the Target store in full view of co-workers and customers.” The shame and false imprisonment reportedly caused Graham serious distress, according to his mother.
Virginia wants to make sure that this practice is stop and to make sure Target is held accountable for their actions.
While Virginia is positive is positive that these types of events take place, Target has denied any activity of this sort. “Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the friends and family of this individual. The allegations in the lawsuit of a Target policy or practice are simply not true. There is no such policy. As this is pending litigation, we don’t have further comment at this time.” says Molly Snyder, Group Manager of Public Relations for Target in Minneapolis, who emailed rushhourdaily.com Parenting in response to the claim.
Former Target employees are backing up Gentiles and her claim by reaching out to the mother who lost her son on the Memorial Facebook Page set up in the 22 year old honor. It is here that former employees are leaving comments recalling their “walk of shame stories.”
Photo: Facebook/Graham Gentles ‘Memorial Page’
