A recent incident at a Massachusetts Target store sparked widespread controversy after a Twitter-verified individual, David Leavitt, claimed he was denied the right to purchase an electric toothbrush for just one cent. Leavitt’s altercation with the Target manager, identified as “Tori,” gained significant attention online after he shared photos of the manager and the misprinted price tag on social media.
The incident quickly led to a fundraiser in support of the Target employee, raising over $16,000 and drawing mixed reactions from social media users.
The Incident at Target
The confrontation began when Leavitt attempted to purchase an Oral-B Pro 5000 electric toothbrush, which was erroneously priced at $0.01 on a display tag. Despite the visible price, the item rang up at its regular price, and the Target manager, Tori, refused to sell it for one cent. Leavitt invoked the Massachusetts Item Pricing Law, which requires stores to honor the lowest price displayed on a sign or advertisement.
This law also stipulates that if there’s a discrepancy between the listed shelf price and the price at the register, customers are entitled to a $10 discount from the lowest advertised price.
Leavitt’s refusal to accept the manager’s decision led to further escalation, with him tweeting about the incident, posting a photo of Tori, and claiming he had called the police over the matter. The resulting backlash on social media prompted a wave of support for the Target manager and criticism against Leavitt for his aggressive response and public shaming of the store employee.
Public Outrage and Social Media Reaction
Leavitt’s tweets about the incident provoked a wave of public outrage, primarily due to his decision to post a photo of the Target manager, Tori, without her consent. Many social media users criticized Leavitt for targeting a low-level employee over a simple pricing error, calling his actions aggressive and disproportionate.
Leavitt’s claim that he called the police and that they would testify on his behalf added to the controversy, especially since he provided no evidence of any official police report. The backlash against him was swift and widespread, with people condemning his behavior and expressing support for the Target employee.
Fundraiser for Target Manager “Tori”
In response to the incident and the backlash against Leavitt, a third party started a GoFundMe campaign to support Tori, the Target manager. The fundraiser, titled “Send #TargetTori on a Vacation,” gained traction quickly, raising over $16,000 in a short time.
The campaign received an outpouring of support from social media users who wanted to show solidarity with Tori and condemn Leavitt’s actions. The funds were intended to offer Tori some relief and recognition for handling the situation with professionalism and grace.
Controversy Surrounding David Leavitt
David Leavitt’s role in the controversy led to scrutiny of his credibility and his background as a self-proclaimed “award-winning multimedia journalist.” Investigations into his claims revealed inconsistencies, with some sources, including CBS and AXS, publicly disassociating themselves from Leavitt, denying any affiliation with him.
Furthermore, his history of controversial and offensive tweets, including insensitive remarks about tragic events like the Manchester Arena bombing, contributed to the public’s negative perception of him. This history of questionable behavior and the inconsistency in his claims further fueled the backlash against him following the Target incident.
Concerns About GoFundMe Fundraising
While the GoFundMe campaign to support Target manager Tori raised significant funds quickly, concerns emerged regarding its management and accountability. The fundraiser was initiated by a third party, a pro-Trump meme creator known as Carpe Donktum, who did not have direct access to the funds. This lack of direct control raised questions about the security and transparency of the fundraising process.
GoFundMe responded to these concerns by stating that they would ensure the funds reached the intended beneficiary or, if that was not possible, they would refund donors. The company emphasized its commitment to protecting contributors’ interests and confirmed that it was working with Carpe Donktum to establish a secure transfer process. However, these assurances did not fully alleviate worries about the accountability and integrity of third-party-managed campaigns.
Conclusion
The incident at Target involving David Leavitt and the subsequent public outrage highlight the broader impact of social media on individual lives and the power of collective response. Leavitt’s aggressive actions and public shaming of the Target manager sparked widespread criticism, while the swift support for Tori through a GoFundMe campaign underscored the ability of social media users to rally around those they perceive as wronged.
The situation also raises important questions about the reliability of online information, the risks of public shaming, and the complexities of crowdfunding. As this incident demonstrates, the speed at which information spreads online can have far-reaching consequences, affecting both the individuals involved and the broader community. It also reminds us of the importance of responsible behavior in the digital age and the need for robust accountability mechanisms in crowdfunding.
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