Trump Supporters Claim Discrimination After Being Removed from LGBTQ+ Bar
A group of Donald Trump supporters have alleged they were victims of discrimination after being asked to leave an LGBTQ+ bar in Indianapolis for wearing MAGA (Make America Great Again) hats. The incident occurred at Chatterbox, a well-known jazz bar, on Friday, March 14.
Allegations of Harassment and Misgendering
According to reports, the group entered the venue wearing pro-Trump apparel and allegedly began misgendering and harassing staff members. In response, bar employees asked them to leave the premises.
One member of the group, Elise Hensley, later returned to confront staff, insisting that she only wanted to ask a question. However, a bartender shut down her attempts at discussion, stating: “No, no, we’re not answering questions. Get out of the bar.”
When Hensley refused to leave and questioned why the establishment did not want her money, the bartender firmly responded: “No, actually, we don’t. Get out of my bar right now.” The situation escalated when the bartender grabbed a baseball bat from under the counter and warned: “I’m not f**king around. Get out of my bar.”
Hensley then claimed: “You know this is, like, discrimination right?”
Viral Video and Bar’s Response
After a video of the confrontation was posted on social media, Chatterbox issued a statement on Instagram defending their actions. According to the bar’s spokesperson:
“They intentionally misgendered and harassed a Chatterbox employee, resulting in them being asked to leave. They continued verbally assaulting our patrons and staff, threatened our establishment, and returned to record a video which has now been posted on multiple social media platforms.”
The venue further emphasized that it aims to be a safe space for music lovers and the LGBTQ+ community, adding that they do “not tolerate dehumanizing or disrespectful language” and that staff members “have a right, by law, to refuse service to anyone who disrupts our business.”
Hensley’s Perspective
Speaking later to WISH-TV, Hensley denied harassing or misgendering anyone at the bar. She explained that she wore her red MAGA hat to express her admiration for Donald Trump, stating:
“I love our president of the United States. He is our president. I appreciate that and don’t find anything wrong with me wanting to wear a Trump hat because he is our president.”
She also pointed out that one of her companions, an African American male, was also wearing a Trump hat and was similarly asked to leave.
Debate Over Rights and Discrimination
The incident has ignited debates online regarding freedom of speech, discrimination, and the rights of business owners to refuse service. Supporters of the bar argue that Chatterbox was within its rights to remove customers who disrupted their business, while others believe the group was unfairly targeted for their political beliefs.
As the video continues to circulate, it remains a polarizing topic, raising questions about the boundaries between personal expression and maintaining inclusive spaces.
What are your thoughts on this incident? Share your opinions in the comments below—but remember to keep the conversation respectful!
