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Waitress who ejected British tech CEO from restaurant after racist tirade receives $40,000 in tips

Michael Lofthouse was kicked out of a restaurant following a racist tirade: @jordanlizchan
Michael Lofthouse was kicked out of a restaurant following a racist tirade: @jordanlizchan

The waitress who ejected a British tech CEO from her restaurant after a racist rant has received almost $40,000 (£32,200) in online tips.

Silicon Valley boss Michael Lofthouse launched the verbal tirade at the Orosa Chan family as they were celebrating a birthday at the Luciana Restaurant in Carmel Valley, California.

In a video of the incident taken by Jordan Chan, Mr Lofthouse, CEO and founder of tech company Solid8, stands up and yells at the family: "Trump's gonna f*** you."

"You f****** need to leave! You f****** Asian piece of s***!" he continues.

Jennica Cochran made Michael Lofthouse leave the restaurant after his racist rant (@jordanlizchan)
Jennica Cochran made Michael Lofthouse leave the restaurant after his racist rant (@jordanlizchan)

Server Jennica Cochran then admonishes Mr Lofthouse, and demands that he leave the restaurant and never return.

She is shown saying: "No, you do not talk to our guests like that! Get out of here!

"They are valued guests."

Since the clip was shared online, Ms Cochran has been praised for stepping in and defending the Orosa Chan family.

People have donated $39,000 (£30,019) in tips for her to a GoFundMe page.

She told KPIX 5: "I've dealt with racism before but never on that scale.

"Never on the level where somebody completely unprovoked felt obligated to voice their hatred for absolutely no reason."

Michael Lofthouse went on a racist tirade directed at the Orosa Chan family (@jordanlizchan)
Michael Lofthouse went on a racist tirade directed at the Orosa Chan family (@jordanlizchan)

Ms Cochran told ABC News that she will never be a passive observer when people are subjected to any form of prejudice.

"I'm not a mother, but I felt almost maternal,” she said. “Right, like this is my family and I will take care of them and I will do whatever I can to protect these people.

"To have someone hate you just because of the way that you look, that's beyond me. I don't understand it.

"It's not something that I will condone ever again, being silent."

Jordan Chan said she was not surprised by the verbal attack from Mr Lofthouse.

Sharing her video on Instagram, she wrote: "It is no coincidence that this man has the audacity to showcase such blatant racism on the 4th of July. White supremacy has a notorious habit of masquerading as patriotism!

"The fact that Donald Trump is our president (i.e. THE MOST POWERFUL MAN IN THE WORLD) gives racists a platform and amplifies voices of hate.

"The surfacing of racists is so prevalent right now, even in such an ethnically/culturally diverse and liberal state like California, because Trump HIMSELF uses his position to incite racial tension and to promote aggression towards POC, foreigners, and immigrants. We need change!"

Mr Lofthouse has since given a statement apologising for his words.

He told the Daily Mail: "My behavior in the video is appalling. This was clearly a moment where I lost control and made incredibly hurtful and divisive comments. I would like to deeply apologize to the Chan family. I can only imagine the stress and pain they feel.

"I was taught to respect people of all races, and I will take the time to reflect on my actions and work to better understand the inequality that so many of those around me face every day."

The Bernardus Lodge has said they regret the treatment the Orosa Chan family endured at their restaurant.

"This is an extremely unfortunate situation, however, we are proud of our staff at Lucia in keeping with Bernardus Lodge's core values," said Sean Damery, the lodge's vice president and general manager, in a statement to KION.

"This incident was handled swiftly and the diner was escorted off property without further escalation. We provide guests with a safe environment for lodging and dining, and extend our sincere apologies to the guests enjoying a birthday celebration on a holiday weekend."