Trader Joe's Shopper Claims She Was Allowed By Store To Go Maskless

KEY POINTS

A shopper at Trader Joe's was dubbed as another "Karen" for not wearing a mask
She got into an altercation with another shopper and staff at the store who called her out
She said that she was allowed by the store to go maskless due to her medical condition

An unidentified Trader Joe’s shopper who was captured on video going wild on employees when they called her out for not wearing a mask says that she was granted permission to shop without donning on any face covering. The incident happened at the grocery chain’s North Hollywood location in California.

A Heated Encounter

The woman, who refused to reveal her identity, said the fiery encounter started because another shopper harassed her for disobeying the statewide mask order, reports say. “Right away he started using obscenities at me, saying ‘f you,’ the c word, ‘wear your f-ing mask’ all of this,” the woman told news station KABC, an ABC owned-and-operated TV station.

The shopper said she called the manager of a Trader Joe’s store in Toluca Lake and was able to secure permission for her to come without wearing a mask. She, however, mistakenly ended up at the store’s North Hollywood location, where she was informed they could make an exception for her only on that day, reports say.

maskless karen at trader joes says she was allowed to wear mask Engin Akyurt - Pixabay

Mandatory Mask Order

Recently, California Gov. Gavin Newsom imposed a statewide mandatory mask order, requiring all Californians to wear face coverings whenever they are in public or in high-risk areas. It also covers activities like shopping, riding in public transits, or when seeking medical care.

The governor became concerned upon seeing too many people without face coverings, which puts at risk the progress the state has made in fighting the disease. “California’s strategy to restart the economy and get people back to work will only be successful if people act safely and follow health recommendations. That means wearing a face covering, washing your hands and practicing physical distancing,” Newsom said in a statement.

No Political Motivations

Videos of her throwing down her shopping basket and shouting at store employees has since gone viral. It also shows her claiming her doctor will not permit her to wear masks. She, however, did not elaborate about her medical condition.

The woman also said she does not regret the outburst and denied she had any political motives. “Unlike whatever lies they are putting out there, I had no political agenda,” the unidentified shopper said. KABC tried to get a comment from Trader Joe’s, but they still have to respond to the request.