A Black shop worker has shared a video that allegedly shows his colleagues making racist comments towards him.
Former Sony contractor Terrelle Graham, 26, claims a Currys PC World employee mocked his hairstyle, telling him that it looked like he had put his “finger in an electric socket and not left”.
Graham said the incidents shown in his video all happened on 22 June this year at Currys PC World in Cribbs Causeway, Bristol.
He had started to record conversations after growing frustrated over comments he says he was receiving from two members of staff.
In one clip, a man can be heard saying: “You need to get your hair combed or are you going for the Afro look on purpose?”
Before adding: “Well, I mean, at least straightened. It looks like you basically put your finger in an electric socket and not left.
“Your hair looks frizzy, it is the nicest way I can put it.”
In another clip, a man is seen asking Graham if he can singing a song from pop star Afroman.
Graham said he worked as a representative for Sony between October 2019 and September 2021 at both Currys PC World and John Lewis at Cribbs Causeway, having been moved to the latter after raising concerns of racism in the former.
He claimed racial comments involved a handful of different people and continued off camera during the two years he worked for Sony and spanning across the two stores.
Graham claimed he first raised concerns about what was happening at the Currys PC World store last June, claiming that “nothing substantial” was done except for transferring him to John Lewis.
Explaining why he made the video, Graham claimed: “I was trying to get some clear evidence to say ‘this is what is going on in your stores’.”
Dixons Carphone – which owns Currys PC World – said that when Graham shared his experience with them, an investigation was carried out and action was taken in line with company policies.
A spokesperson added: “We do not condone or accept discriminatory behaviour of any kind, and we take our responsibilities as a diverse and inclusive employer extremely seriously.
“The language and behaviour experienced by Mr Graham are in no way representative of our values as an organisation.”
Sony has said it is aware of the issues raised by Graham and a full review is being conducted, adding it takes any claim of discrimination extremely seriously as they embrace diversity and firmly believe in equality.
John Lewis said in a statement that they had a “zero tolerance approach to racism”, adding that an investigation had begun.
