Man Charged with Assault, Fired From Job After Video of Racist Tirade in Smoothie Shop Goes ViralJames Iannazzo of Fairfield, Connecticut was arrested over the weekend.

ByEntrepreneur Staff

Jerome Adamstein | Getty Images

A viral TikTok video has resulted in a Connecticut man being fired from his job at Merrill Lynch.

48-year-old James Iannazzo entered a Robeks smoothie shop in Fairfield, CT and began screaming at employees behind the counter, even throwing a smoothie at workers at one point.

In the video, Iannazzo can be heard screaming at the employees, cursing, asking for a manager and calling the employees "ignorant high school kids" and referring to one as an "immigrant loser."

"You can call corporate whenever you want, goodbye," one of the workers shouts back at the man before he launches the cup back behind the counter. "I'm calling the police!"

Warning: This video is very disturbing.

Following the incident, a representative for Merrill Lynch released a statement on behalf of the company.

“我们公司不容忍行为这一吻nd," the statement read. "We immediately investigated and have taken action. This individual is no longer employed at our firm."

According to reports, Iannazzo flew into a fit of rage after a smoothie he purchased at the shop contained peanuts, which sent his 17-year-old son, who is allergic, into anaphylactic shock and caused him to be hospitalized.

"Iannazzo left the scene prior to police arrival, but was identified shortly after. Iannazzo turned himself into police without incident," theFairfield Police Departmentrevealed in a statement. "Iannazzo told officers that he was upset about his son having a severe allergic reaction and went back to the store as a result. During the investigation, employees reported that Iannazzo never told them about the peanut allergy but had only requested that there be no peanut butter in his drink."

He was charged for Intimidation Based on Bigotry or Bias in the Second Degree, Breach of Peace in the Second Degree and Criminal Trespass in the First Degree (for trying to enter an employees only area of the store.)

"I was out of my mind with fear for him when I returned to Robeks, and I wish I had not done so," Iannazzo toldCNBC. "I also wish they had been more careful preparing my son's beverage. I will be extending my apologies personally to the Robek's organization, particularly the staff that was working there that night."

He also stated that his son was "doing okay" as of Monday.

"This is the worst nightmare of every parent whose child has a similar allergy," he said.

His lawyer also released a statement on his behalf, saying that Iannazzo "wholeheartedly regrets" his behavior.

"He is not a racist individual and deeply regrets his statements and actions," attorneyFrank J. Riccio IIsaid.

Prior to his release from the company, Iannazzo had been employed by Merrill Lynch since 1995.

Wavy Line
Entrepreneur Staff

Entrepreneur Staff

Editor

Editor's Pick

Related Topics

Business News

What Is a 'Lazy Girl Job'? New TikTok Trend Empowers Women to Work However They Want

The trend began as a way for women to find more free time during their days.

Growing a Business

3 Solutions That Help Alleviate Everyday Pressures Small Business Owners Face

We live in a world with increasing pressures from stakeholders, constantly changing customer expectations and volatile financial conditions — which for many, especially business owners — can make it hard to create clear distinctions between professional and personal emotions.

Business Ideas

The Top 10 Home Business Ideas for 2023

Can't figure out which enterprise you should launch in 2023? Check out 10 stellar home business ideas to get inspiration.

Starting a Business

10 Common Obstacles to Avoid When Starting a Business

Starting a new business can be an exciting and rewarding venture, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Here are some common obstacles to avoid when starting a new business.

Business News

Gen Zers Are Bragging About Making Upwards of $3 Million as Amazon Sellers. Is It Really That Easy?

Before you start a business on the popular online marketplace, keep these three points in mind.