Karen physically attacks Verizon store employees over data shortage

In a viral video posted to Reddit’s r/FuckYouKaren forum on Friday, a white woman can be seen aggressively attacking a Black Verizon employee. The argument appears to be about a data plan—an invalid subject for such belligerent discourse.

The 45-second clip is filmed from a bystander and cuts off shortly after the woman finally leaves the premises. Before stepping out of the building, the woman, who is the only person without a face mask on, pushes the Verizon employee away after she is asked to return the store’s phone charger. Karen appears angered by the command and yells slurs at the employee before throwing an object at her and threatening to “beat the shit” out of her. Another employee then approaches the scene and tells the unhinged woman to leave, escorting her out of the store, from a distance.

Such behavior of white women acting violently toward others after met with disagreement or command has grown in volume across the internet since 2017. The popular term “Karen,” which is used to label an “obnoxious, angry, entitled, and often racist middle-aged white woman who uses her privilege to get her way or police other people’s behaviors,” is fitting for the unnamed woman in the Reddit video. This is the latest documented occurrence of a Karen incident at the Verizon store, following a recent dustup in May.

While these incidents have somewhat transformed into a comical meme on social media, it’s important to note the real harm and danger these women impose on others, sometimes extending so far to phony cop calls that have put victims at risk of police brutality.

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