‘No tip for illegal’: Customers leave racist note for LAX server
Share and Follow


(KTLA) – A restaurant server who works in the Los Angeles International Airport was rattled after two customers left him a racist message at the top of their receipt.

“No tip for illegal,” read the handwritten note. “Go back to Mexico.”

Guillermo Ortiz, who works at the Planet Hollywood in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, said it was toward the end of his shift on March 21 when he waited on the couple.

“Twenty minutes after [they left], I opened the checkbook and I found the message, and it made me feel bad,” recounted Ortiz. “I’m not even Mexican, I’m Puerto Rican, but my wife is Mexican – there’s no right to treat people like that.”

Ortiz told Nexstar’s KTLA that he thought everything had been going just fine with the two customers until he brought out their check.

“The way they were looking at me, you can tell when something is not right,” said Ortiz.

An 18.5% gratuity was already included in the bill, but, as stated at the bottom of the receipt, a customer can remove the tip if they are not satisfied with leaving that amount – which is what Ortiz said was done.

But then, when Ortiz opened the checkbook, instead of any tip amount, he saw the hurtful, hate-filled message.

“I’ve been working as a server since 2014, and this is the first time this has happened to me,” said Ortiz.

The couple was already gone when Ortiz saw the note, and since they paid in cash, there was no trail left behind to track them down.

“Probably ’cause they saw me, they know I’m Hispanic, they thought I’m Mexican or illegal or I don’t know what they’re thinking,” said Ortiz.

Ortiz said he thinks the current political rhetoric on immigration has emboldened this type of behavior.

“This is happening because of what’s happening with President [Donald] Trump right now,” said Ortiz. “I think that’s the reason people are acting like this.”

Despite whatever the customers intended by leaving that note, Ortiz said it does not diminish the work he does.

“I’m proud of what I do,” said Ortiz. “I’m a server; that’s the way I support my kids, that’s the way I support my family.”

Ortiz said he reported the incident to his management and that corporate is looking into it, but that, regardless, he will unfortunately be unemployed by Saturday when that Planet Hollywood location closes for good.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Minneapolis mayor demands state be included in ICE-involved shooting probe, slams Pam Bondi's DOJ

Minneapolis Mayor Urges State Participation in ICE Shooting Investigation, Criticizes DOJ’s Pam Bondi

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey issued an urgent call on Friday for state…
Top nutritionist ROB HOBSON reveals his simple and speedy diet method

Renowned Nutritionist Rob Hobson Unveils His Efficient and Quick Diet Strategy

Let’s be honest—most of us tend to consume more food than necessary.…
Woman frustrated Chicago police will not remove alleged squatter from Chatham condo despite new Illinois law

Chatham Resident Faces Frustration as Chicago Police Decline to Evict Alleged Squatter, Citing Recent Illinois Legislation

Confusion surrounds a newly implemented squatter law in Illinois, raising questions among…
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani quietly meets with Steven Spielberg days after inauguration

Newly-Elected NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Holds Private Meeting with Steven Spielberg Shortly After Taking Office

When Zohran Mamdani assumed the role of New York City’s mayor, he…
911 call at Ohio dentist's home reported 'domestic dispute' months before he and wife found shot dead: records

Fox News True Crime Update: Ohio Dentist Homicides, Kohberger Sister’s Alert, and ‘Torso Killer’ Admission

Spencer and Monique Tepe were discovered deceased on December 30. (Photo credit:…
'Doomsday Plane' spotted over LA after Maduro's capture sparks panic

Doomsday Aircraft Sighted Over Los Angeles Following Maduro’s Arrest, Stirring Public Concern

Social media was abuzz with speculation after President Donald Trump’s emergency command…
BBB research reveals top 10 local scams to watch out for in 2026 

Unveiling the Future: Top 10 Local Scams to Beware of in 2026 According to BBB Research

In a remarkable turn of events, the number of top scams in…
'Times Square Killer' used fake police badge to murder 18-year-old nursing student: deathbed confession

Chilling Confession: ‘Times Square Killer’ Deceived Nursing Student with Fake Police Badge

Alys Eberhardt, an 18-year-old nursing student from New Jersey, left her classes…