Victoria’s Secret has responded after a video of a white woman screaming and attacking a Black woman inside a New Jersey store went viral. On Tuesday (July 13), the company said it has launched a full investigation into the incident.
“Associate and customer safety is our top priority and we are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all,” it read. “The video taken in our store is unsettling and we have initiated a full investigation. Our associates followed our protocols and immediately called our Emergency Operations Center as well as mall security for support during the altercation between our customers.”
“We are dedicated to continuing this critical conversation and demonstrating our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through our actions and our words,” it added.
As reported by REVOLT, the videos were filmed by Ijeoma Ukenta, who says she was harassed and threatened by the white woman, identified in a police report as Abigail Elphick. In the clips, Elphick can be seen charging at Ukenta and trying to hit her. She later chases Ukenta around the store, violently screams and appears to pretend to faint in front of the cash registers.
Victoria’s Secret staff called security at the Short Hills Mall and Elphick also called police. In a video, Ukenta said she would be filing complaints against the two responding officers for how they handled the situation and mall security. However, she said the staff at Victoria’s Secret did what they could to get security to arrive.
“I don’t really have any issues with [Victoria’s Secret] … not as of yet,” she said. “Now, if they give us problems getting the [security] video, then we’ll talk about that. That’ll be another story.”
Ukenta is raising money to hire an attorney and “bring light to this wrong” on GoFundMe, where she’s currently garnered $81,000. See the statement from Victoria’s Secret below.