While sexual orientation isn’t explicitly listed as a protected class in federal law, courts and federal agencies have interpreted existing protections to include it.
For example, people can’t be fired, denied a job, or treated differently at work because of their sexual orientation, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
At the same time, anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric in the United States has been on the rise in recent years, with ongoing legislative efforts by the current Trump administration targeting these communities.
Recently, one man on TikTok shared how that kind of behavior can show up in everyday interactions.
In a video that has gotten over 260,700 views, TikTok creator Jamal Crudup (@jamalcrudup) describes what he says was discriminatory behavior from staff and the franchise owner at Bacco Pizzeria in Abingdon, Maryland.
What Did the Bacco Pizzeria Staff Do?
Sitting in his car in the pizzeria’s parking lot, Crudup explains what happened.
“As I’m doing this healing process of trying to take care of my mental health and just be a better person and live and be kind to others and things like that, I went to Bacco Pizzeria here in Abingdon, Maryland,” he says.
He says he walked in, placed his order, and gave the employee his name. While he was waiting, he says he began to notice the staff looking in his direction.
“ I just noticed that they were, like, looking at me, laughing,” he says. “I didn’t wanna assume that they was talking about me. Whatever.”
He says he’s a regular at this location. “I’ve spent so much money here just for, you know, a quick meal,” he says.
Then He Checked The Receipt
Crudup says he didn’t think much of it until he asked for his receipt.
“I asked them for my receipt, and on my receipt they put my name,” he says, pausing as he shows it on camera. “I’m sorry, y’all. I’m shaking… Chimona.”
He says he immediately recognized the word. “Me understanding Spanish… I’m glad I looked at it,” he says. “It means a woman that likes sexual intercourse in Spanish.”
Indeed, the word is a derogatory and offensive term in Spanish.
At that point, he decides to go back inside and ask what happened.
“So I wanna go in and I wanna ask them what made them put this on my slip,” he says. “Why did they think it was OK?”
He also questions whether his appearance had anything to do with it.
“Is it because I got on a pink hoodie?” he asks.
He Goes Back Inside And Confronts Bacco Pizzeria Staff
Crudup then films himself walking back into the restaurant and asking to speak with a manager.
“Why would you put this name on my ticket?” he asks the cashier. “Because I’m gay? Like, why would you put this on my ticket?”
He continues, pointing out that he gave them his actual name when ordering.
“I told you what my name is,” he says. “Why would you put something vulgar like this on my ticket?”
A worker responds that they weren’t the one who took the order.
“You made fun of it. You laughed,” he responds. “That’s why I asked you for a receipt, ’cause I wonder what you was laughing about.”
As the exchange continues, staff appear to deny knowing what the word means. “I don’t even know what that means, sorry,” one says.
“So you don’t know what this means in Spanish?” Crudup asks.
“No, sir,” the staff member replies.
Crudup is distressed by the interaction. “I’m shaking because I’m so upset… because I come here and I spend money,” he says. “I don’t come here for anyone to judge me.’
He adds the situation could have been handled differently. The right thing to do, because you’re caught and because I understand Spanish… would be to apologize,” he says. “But you thought it was funny.”
The owner then speaks up. “I don’t got time to talk to you,” he says, raising his voice. “If you don’t like it, brother, get the f— out of my store.”
“Wow,” Crudup reacts.
The owner continues, “That’s right.”
“You have discriminatory staff, and I called it out, and then you want to be unprofessional and curse,” he says. “Wow. Good job to you.”
He then calmly exits the store.
Viewers Are Appalled
Many viewers were supportive of Crudup, with some saying the situation could have legal consequences.
“Sue EVERYBODY!” one person wrote. “I know you’re upset, but their ignorance is your blessing. I’m sorry this happened.”
In Maryland, the Public Accommodations Anti-Discrimination Law protects people from discrimination in places like restaurants based on “race, sex, age, color, creed, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability,” according to the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. Filing a complaint there would be the first step toward any potential legal action.
Others focused on how he handled the confrontation.
“So proud of you for standing up for yourself,” another said.
Some said the video changed how they see the business.
“I’ve passed by this pizza spot so many times. I will never go now. I’m sorry you went through this,” a third wrote.
Another commenter added, “I admire the way you handled this. Even when they tried to push you to be ignorant, you held your own without cursing or getting aggressive. Keep working on you! You’re going an amazing job! Now go get your lawyer and your bag!”
Bacco Pizzeria Responds
Following the video, Bacco Pizzeria addressed the situation in statements shared on Instagram.
“We are deeply ashamed that this took place in our restaurant, and we take full and complete responsibility for it,” they wrote. “The employee involved in the initial incident is no longer with us.”
The pizzeria said that they’re “convening” with the full leadership team so they can have “a direct and honest conversation” about what happened.
In another Instagram post, the restaurant said it has taken action against the owner as well.
“Due to the incident that occurred on Saturday March 21st, we have decided to place General Manager/Partner Johnny Kosmakos on suspension until further notice,” they wrote.
The restaurant added that it will be retraining staff on customer service and best practices moving forward.
BroBible has reached out to Bacco Pizzeria via email and Crudup via Facebook Messenger for comment.