A Filipino-American who out for a walk on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in California with his son was reportedly asked to leave the area because of his tattoos.
Mark Devera was bearing the tattoos Pinoy Pride on both his biceps, which were perceived as “Gang-related “ tattoos by patrolling security personnel at the site of the incident.
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While video footage highlighted the argument between the man and two security personnel, Devera said a manager later approached them and permitted him to remain there while also asking him to conceal the tattoos.
Noting that his son cried after being “traumatized” by the incident, the man also expressed being embarrassed, harassed, and violated of his ‘First Amendment rights.
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However, the security guard had not forced Devera to move away from the area but had requested him to hide his tattoos as the markings could cause “negative or aggressive reactions from some guests,” a Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk representative claimed later. (AW)
