A white store owner in Toronto is under fire over allegations she locked a black woman in her store after falsely accusing her of theft.
Symone Sparks was browsing inside Bloor Optical with her female partner, Demi, when suddenly the store’s clerk, believed to be a woman named Dragana Kljajic, blocked the entrance door and wouldn’t let them out.
‘What happened? You think I took something from you,” you hear Sparks ask viral TikTok.
To which Kljajic shrugs her shoulder and says, “I don’t know,” as she remains standing in front of the door.
Sparks quickly answers back, asking, “You just locked the door, and you locked me in here, and you said I took something from you.
‘That’s crazy. I come here to buy things from you. Why would I steal from you?’
At the same time, Demi tells Kljajic and the other customers that the couple just had an eye exam at a neighbor’s house before visiting the optical store.
The pair were also heard to ask other employees if there were cameras in their store and if they could be assessed to prove their innocence.
Symone Sparks was browsing inside Bloor Optical with her female partner Demi when the store’s clerk suddenly blocked the entrance door and wouldn’t let them out
Sparks also asks one of the other white female employees to check her clothing and suggests calling the police.
After seconds of silence, Sparks demanded to know, “Is it because I’m black? Is that the problem?’ while her partner suggests leaving the store.
When the couple demanded to call the police, a white male customer intervened and told Kljajic, “It’s against the law, and you lock them up, which is also against the law.” This is racism.
At one point, Sparks tells someone in the room that she tried on a pair of glasses and put them back on. The only pair she had with her were the ones she came in with.
In another video, the falsely accused woman is seen stroking herself and saying she didn’t steal anything from the store.
After the incident, Sparks and Demi called 911 and explained the ordeal.
However, the dispatcher informed them that their case was not an emergency and that they were forced to visit a police station to file a report.
Since then, TikTokers have come together to show support for the couple and praised the man who stood up for them.
The owner, believed to be a woman named Dragana Kljajic, was seen blocking the entrance door and not letting them leave in the now viral TikTok
“Contact a lawyer and see if you can file a lawsuit!” They can’t lock you up and embarrass you!’, one person suggested.
While another asked: ‘Why would someone steal frames that aren’t even a prescription for their eyes? I don’t understand?’
One also added: ‘The fact that she even locked the door while there were people inside is against the law. Taking you hostage is also not allowed.’
“That man at the front, thanks for saying something!” So often people sit back and say nothing. Sorry this happened to you guys,” another joked.
One viewer also pointed out: ‘It’s CRAZY to lock yourself in the store. I hope the police at least charge them for that. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I thought it was great that you stood your ground and that the man spoke out too!’
“Oh bless that sweet man!! Too many people don’t want to say anything and it’s maddening!’
Shortly afterwards, Sparks launched a GoFundMe to help finance her legal costs.
‘Hello, my name is Symone Sparks and I am sharing my story to ask for help after a traumatic experience that left me shocked and vulnerable. On a beautiful Saturday morning, my partner and I were racially profiled, humiliated and discriminated against while shopping at an optical store in Bloor West Village, Toronto.
Sparks has since launched a GoFundMe to help finance her legal costs
‘During a routine transaction, I was accused of theft when a store employee approached me and locked me in the store. The situation quickly escalated and I was stuck inside, harassed and feeling unsafe. At one point I felt so cornered and vulnerable that I even considered taking off my clothes just to prove I wasn’t stealing.
“This experience is a painful reminder of the racism and discrimination that Black individuals, especially Black queer women like me, face every day.
“As many of you may have seen in videos shared online, what happened to me was unjust, and no one should ever have to endure such treatment.
‘We are now pursuing legal action against the store involved, and this process is both emotionally and financially exhausting. Legal costs, consultations and the time it takes to seek justice add up quickly.
“I’m asking for your support to help us cover these legal costs so we can hold those responsible accountable,” she wrote passionately.
From now on the crowdfunding page has raised $330 CAD out of its $12,000 goal.
It remains unclear whether authorities have begun an investigation into the matter.