A viral video of a fight at Brooklyn’s Happy Red Apple Nails has sparked complete and utter outrage in the community. The video shows several Asian salon workers physically attacking a Black woman with bottles and broomsticks over an alleged eyebrow job gone wrong.
After what seems like an eternity, the victim is finally able to break free and flee the salon.
Sadly, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen a Black woman attacked by a mob of Asians at a beauty establishment. Just last year, a Black woman was beaten to the ground inside a North Carolina beauty supply store.
As details emerge about what’s now being called the Brooklyn brawl, here’s everything we know so far.
Who is the victim?
The victim is Christina Thomas. The 21-year-old visited Happy Red Apple Nails on Friday for a pedicure and an eyebrow wax. After complaining to the manager that she was unhappy with the eyebrow job, a physical altercation ensued.
Who attacked her?
Several of the salon’s employees attacked her. Hiuyue Zheng has been arrested and is facing charges of assault. Police are also looking to arrest the employee who was seen throwing liquid on Thomas.
Was the attack racially motivated?
Many believe that it was, in fact, racially motivated, citing past incidents in which Asian business owners have both verbally and physically attacked Black women. Because the salon is located in East Flatbush, a predominantly Black neighborhood, some are saying the skirmish reflects the ongoing tension between the two groups.
What is the community doing now?
Many are calling for the nail salon to be shut down permanently. Protesters gathered outside the Brooklyn establishment on Monday with signs that read “Black $$$ Matters!”
