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Apple Store accused of racial profiling after video shows staff member ejecting black students

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By Tony Connelly, Sports Marketing Reporter

November 12, 2015 | 4 min read

Apple has found itself embroiled in a heated racial episode after a staff member at one of its stores threw out a group of black teens because they were worried they might steal something.

Apple Store ejects black students

Apple Store ejects black students

The incident happened at the Highpoint Shopping Centre in Melbourne, Australia and a recording of the exchange has sparked outrage and widespread accusations of racial profiling.

In the video an Apple Store staff member is seen standing outside the store entrance accompanied by two security guards addressing the six teenage boys from Maribyrnong College.

He is heard saying “These guys [security guards] are just a bit worried about your presence in our store. They’re just worried you might steal something”.

Appearing baffled by the statement one of boys asks “why would we steal something?” with another commenting “there’s no reason for this”.

The Australian staff member brushes aside the groups attempts to gain more clarity and says “end of discussion. I need to ask you to leave our store”.

One of the students, Francis Ose, uploaded the video to Facebook which has resulted in widespread condemnation on Twitter.

Khalid Breezy, Petros Smalls, Deebo Ater Abdulahi Haji Ali Mohamed, Andy Gambino Nelson Mahad MohamudSimply Racism, made them apologise tho

Posted by Francis Ose on Tuesday, 10 November 2015

One of the students evicted from the store, Mabior Ater, told Fairfax Media that he “never thought something like this would happen ... of course I was offended”.

The principle of the school accompanied the students back to the store to seek out an apology.

Ater said “the manager apologised to us and told us that we are welcome here anytime,” adding “it feels like we have justice now.”

An Apple Australia spokeswoman told Guardian Australia that the company would not be commenting.

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