A Florida tattoo shop sparked controversy online with its decision to deny service to active and former military personnel, whom they bluntly describe as "a bunch of war criminals."
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In America, privately owned businesses have the right to refuse service to potential customers. However, certain groups -- including active military members and war veterans -- are protected from such practices.
Revival Tattoo Collective in Largo, Florida, allegedly doesn't care.
The Florida-based tattoo shop responded to the backlash for its anti-military stance in a Facebook post on June 23, saying:
"People all in their feelings because I expressed my opinion of the military and law enforcement. My opinion is that the military is a bunch of war criminals and law enforcement kills babies and unarmed citizens in the street. If you don't like my opinion, cool. But you're not going to change it. Call me short. Post records from 20 years ago. Threaten the health department. Use homophobic slurs. That only proves my point and shows the true character of our military. Thanks for showing your true colors."
Tattoo Shop Owner Doubles Down Amid Backlash Online
The social media post concluded with a direct message for military personnel.
"Once again for the slow ones .. pretty simple. If you are ex-military or currently serving, just don't come to the shop. You will be turned away."
Revival Tattoo Collective was founded by Brady Martinson, who is described on the website as "a tattooist and sign painter."
Unsurprisingly, the social media post drew several negative comments from military supporters.
One person wrote, "This kind of thinking is disappointing and immature. Judging an entire group by the actions of a few is the same type of prejudice I'm sure you claim to oppose. (IE: Against a race, the lgbtq community, etc...) There are good and bad people in every profession and every walk of life."
Still, some people agreed with Martinson's stance, with one woman saying, "The military preys on underprivileged youth by luring them in with promises to pay for college and makes it sound like it's their only opportunity to get ahead in life."
