Whole Foods recently become entangled in a lawsuit after being accused of writing a homophobic slur on a cake ordered from their bakery department. The accuser claims that he ordered the cake to say, “Love Wins” but after he purchased the cake and returned home realized that it said, “Love Wins” with the slur added on.
At this point you might be wondering what this has to do with the Surveillance Video of the Month, but this is only the first part of the story. Whole Foods is filing a counter-lawsuit, claiming that the accuser made the story up, and they have the evidence to prove it, their surveillance video.
The company has released surveillance footage that shows the accuser checking out at the front register. Not only does the footage show the accuser look through the transparent packaging of the cake without reaction to the alleged offending addition, but it also shows the cashier scan the UPC code sticker on the top of the cake’s package. When the cake was brought into question, the UPC code had been moved from the top of the cake, to the side, which they claim shows clear evidence of tampering. Additionally, the company has released a statement saying that they fully support and stand behind their employee who decorated the cake, and “is part of the LGBTQ community.”
Watch the Whole Foods’ surveillance video here.
While it is likely that this case will take some time to be resolved, having the surveillance video to submit as evidence in both cases puts Whole Foods in a much better position to defend and protect their image. This is yet another example of how having a surveillance system installed is beneficial for so much more than loss prevention or intrusion. An effectively installed, maintained and utilized surveillance system can also be a line of defense in protecting the image and brand reputation of your business or organization.
Additional details regarding this incident can be read here.
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