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High-Fashion Brand Versace Faces Charges On Racist Protocol Code Reportedly Used for Black Customers; Company Denies Allegations

High-Fashion Brand Versace Faces Charges On Racist Protocol Code Reportedly Used for Black Customers; Company Denies Allegations

Dannel Picaccio Camille Perez Lozano

Versace may have a problem with a potential racism issue after a recently fired employee revealed the company's unique client service policy. The world-renowned fashion brand was said to have a certain code to follow when a particular ethnicity enters their premises.

Former employee Christopher Sampiro, who used to work at the Versace outlet store located in Pleasanton, California, divulged how the company had a secret code whenever a black customer is present in the store. The code "D41" is said to be utilized whenever a black person comes into their branch, and Sampiro himself looks to obtain justice from the said policy.

According to a report from The Wrap, Sampiro was oriented by the Versace branch manager through the training program and Sampiro did not take it lightly, especially being one-quarter African-American. Sampiro reportedly responded during the training, "You know that I'm African American?"

After which, Sampiro said in his court documents that the manager went on to treat him differently and did not engage into training him properly. Moreover, he was relinquished of his duties after two weeks due to the allegations that he did not "understand luxury" and "know the luxury life."

Sampiro's claims did not end there, as he said that the fashion brand failed to reward the hours worked, failed to provide meal and break hours, as well as address wage statements properly. There are also declarations of improper maintenance of accurate records, wrongful termination and racial discrimination altogether, as per CNN.

The plaintiff is looking to be compensated for the work hours rendered, general damages, special damages, punitive damages and restitution for the money due to the said unlawful business practices and injunctive relief. Versace, however, denied the allegations and requested that the court dismiss the case. The fashion house has yet to issue an official statement about the matter as of this writing. 

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