Mask-Refusing Woman Who Tried to Shame San Diego Barista Now Suing Creator of Viral GoFundMe Page

The man who created the viral “Tips for Lenin” GoFundMe page is being sued by the San Diego woman who tried to shame her local Starbucks barista online for following COVID-19 safety protocols and refusing to serve her

During the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve seen instances of customers who don’t follow mask requirements recording their interactions with store workers to publicly call them out — usually on social media — only to have those very videos cause more controversy for the person recording it.

One local video went viral and drove a GoFundMe campaign past $100,000 for a San Diego Starbucks barista who was berated by a woman who refused to wear a mask.

And now there’s a new update to the saga: the man who created the viral “Tips for Lenin” GoFundMe page is being sued by the same Clairemont woman who tried to shame the barista for following COVID-19 safety protocols.

The defamation complaint, filed last week by customer Amber Lynn Gilles, claims the use of her Facebook post about an exchange she had with Gutierrez is a violation of her rights and a misappropriation of her name and image.

Gilles’ attorney Michael Harrington said in the wake of the ordeal his client received hate mail, death threats and even lost out on job opportunities.

In the weeks after the viral confrontation, Gilles told NBC 7 “I never threatened him, I just called him out on his actions.”

Defendant Matt Cowan said he felt bad for Gutierrez after seeing Gilles’ post, which included images of Gutierrez.

Cowan said he wouldn’t hesitate to do it again — and he has. He started a new GoFundMe page — HELP I’m Being Sued By A Karen for Raising Money — to help pay for his defense. The fundraiser is approaching 50% of its target after being live for a little more than a day.

No matter the outcome, Cowan said he hopes it won’t stop people from doing good for others.

https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/mask-refusing-woman-who-tried-to-shame-san-diego-barista-now-suing-creator-of-viral-gofundme-page/2595042/