The high-profile boss of independent South Australian grocery chain Drakes Supermarkets has released an explosive statement to call out the vile racial abuse inflicted on a junior staff member.

The supermarket chain shared a social media post promoting a current competition, only for the pictured staff member to be targeted with more than 50 comments filled with racist words and memes.

That prompted a fiery response from chain owner John-Paul Drake.

“I said, ‘F— off’, this is not acceptable behaviour,” he said.

Drake condemned the perpetrators as “keyboard warriors” hiding behind “anonymous, fake accounts and writing the most obscene things”.

“We will do whatever it takes to look after our team,” he said. 

Drake acknowledged his public profile makes him a target for criticism, but drew a line at attacks on his staff. 

“You want to have a go at me? I understand I’m a business leader, and I’m put out there in the media, I’m fair game,” said Drake.

While Drakes has removed the offensive comments, the original post remains online with the staff member’s consent. The employee has reportedly expressed willingness to participate in future promotions.

Drake indicated a desire to pursue legal action against those responsible if their identities could be determined. 

“This really pisses me off,” he said. 

“I won’t accept anyone talking like that to any of our team members and if you could prosecute over that, you definitely would.”