Black man blocked by white woman from apartment: ‘She brought firing on herself’
In another #LivingWhileBlack case, the result is a simple case of karma in action, say the man whose residency in an apartment complex was scrutinized
You do dirt, you get dirt is the sentiment D’Arreion Toles is feeling after learning that the woman who blocked him from entering his apartment was fired from her job at Tribeca-STL, a luxury apartment company.
READ MORE: Pres. Barack Obama isn’t trying to hear people’s weak excuses for not voting
“She did what she did to herself, I really don’t have much to say about her and her work life,” Toles told CBS affiliate KMOV4.
Toles had just come home from working late last Friday, and tried to enter his apartment but was blocked by Hilary Thornton (who also uses the name Hillary Brooke Mueller), reports the New York Times, who didn’t believe he belonged there. Toles said he believes he was stopped simply because he’s black. Social media users have dubbed the 32-year-old woman “Hallway Hillary.”
“Did this really just happen to me? It happened to me. I am really taken away by the moment,” said Toles reflecting on the incident.
Toles said it was a moment that was surreal.
“I was kind of blown away, shocked and like wow,” said Toles. “I am just glad I had my camera out. If I did not have my camera out, I feel it could have gone a totally different way.”
Still after being followed and pursued like he was criminal, Toles said he doesn’t harbor any ill feelings toward the woman.
“I am not mad at her. I am not upset with her. I am not going to go after her legally or anything like that. I wish her the best. I would still have a conversation with her,” said Toles.
READ MORE: St. Louis woman who blocked a Black man from entering apartment building, fired
“I appreciate all of the love and support. Like I said, don’t respond negatively. Don’t go after the lady. Let her be at peace. Let her live her life,” added Toles.
While the apartment unit is not owned by Tribeca-STL, the company got wind of the video and released this statement saying they’ve fired Thornton.
“Tribeca-STL was recently shared a video containing a disturbing interaction that we believe is important to clarify.
“The video did involve one of our employees, but the event did NOT take place at Tribeca-STL and did NOT involve one of our tenants. The video is showing the employee in her private life at her own residence interacting with another person.
“The Tribeca-STL family is a minority-owned company that consists of employees and residents from many racial backgrounds. We are proud of this fact and do not and never will stand for racism or racial profiling at our company.
“After a review of the matter the employee has been terminated and is no longer with our Company. At Tribeca-STL we want all residents, guests and visitors to feel welcome, safe and respected.”
