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Filed under: Business, Lifestyle, Local News, National News
Sun. November 8, 2009 5:52:31 PM
Dispute over BIC lighters and allegations of homophobia get gay couple banned from Walmart for life
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South Bend, IN — A gay couple, both former Chicago attorneys, said they have been banned from Walmart for life after a dispute over BIC lighters and allegations of homophobia from the chain's employees.
The South Bend Tribune reports that on Aug. 16, Joe Paolucci and Thomas Hitchcock were stopped by store employees at the Niles, Mich., Walmart who suspected they had stolen lighters after the couple used a self-checkout.
The pair, along with their 11-year-old twin sons, were then detained by Walmart store employees.
"They asked if I had BIC lighters. I said, 'Yes,' and handed them over," Paolucci told the paper. "Then they asked if I had a receipt. I said, 'Yes, you're holding it.' Then this group of Wal-Mart employees started forming around us."
Both Paolucci and Hitchcock allege the employees were threatening and that one used a vulgarity which frightened the boys.
When asked to enter a "detention room" for questioning, the couple said they refused out of concern for their personal safety and asked the store personnel to call police.
Deputies from the Berrien County Sheriff's Department's Niles Township Patrol arrived and immediately handcuffed Paolucci without any investigation. Both Paolucci and Hitchcock, who was not handcuffed, were placed in separate squad cars.
The twins were turned over to store security personnel and locked in a security room where the couple alleges the boys endured disparaging remarks about their lifestyle from Walmart employees.
Nearly 45 minutes later, after officers reviewed security tapes and had determined the lighters weren't shoplifted, the couple was released.
After the incident was resolved the couple expected an apology from store personnel, instead employees read a statement that Paolucci and Hitchcock were banned from Walmart – the entire chain – for life.
Paolucci and Hitchcock said they likely won't file a lawsuit against Walmart.
Paolucci was general counsel for the real estate investment company owned by Chicago billionaire Sam Zell.
Mabel on Monday, 11/9/2009
omg!!!! the photos on that website are too funny
Tahlib on Monday, 11/9/2009
Walmart is the Anti-Christ store. Sorry to here that this happened.
MoniqueMarquette on Monday, 11/9/2009
The REAL crime here is that the couple is not filing a lawsuit! By not doing so says this behavior and attitude is acceptable and will continue to go on!
mskatherine on Tuesday, 11/10/2009
I KNOW THIS FAMILY! ?
And I'm surprised they are allowed into ANY store. These parents are obnoxious and their kids are undisciplined brats. If you see this family coming, RUN. Fast.
I am neither prejudice or “hate gays”, (as Mr. Paolucci likes to claim). Nor do I love or work at Walmart. But I do hate parents who have horrendous parenting skills, gay or straight. Blaming everyone else for their own unwillingness to be good parents. And that is why I think people should know the truth and PUBLISHED FACTS about Mr. Paolucci and Mr. Hitchcock. ??
Two years ago when Paolucci - Hitchcock's sons got kicked out of their first private school, City Day. Paolucci - Hitchcock screamed "harassment", even though City Day had other same sex parents with no complaints. Instead of trying to grow from the experience the couple called reporters, screamed and threatened lawsuits against the school, the Head Mistress and kid's teacher. Next the boys got thrown out of St. Clement School, (in less than a month) and the couple again went ballistic, claiming that their son’s behavior was justified because they’re adopted. And just this past spring, Child Services of Illinois was called by a teacher at the boy's latest public school. Paolucci - Hitchcock again claimed "harassment", “gay hating” and “adoption” as an excuse. Later, threatening the teacher who cared about the welfare of their children. ??Blaming everyone but themselves for their complete lack of skills is norm for these truly bad parents.
If you want to see the real kind of parents Mr. Paolucci and Mr. Hitchcock are, click on the South Bend Tribune article. ??In the interview, Paolucci and Hitchcock give out very personal and bizarre information about their kids in order to make positive points about themselves. ??
These are either the most stupid parents on the earth or the most conniving, rotten parents ever. Either way, these kids are doomed
Futta on Thursday, 11/12/2009
Posting the pictures of people of Walmart on the internet without their permission is a crime.
WalmartIsACrime on Monday, 11/9/2009
www.peopleofwalmart.com