‘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
Hamas 'gang-raped and executed' October 7 victims, new report claims

Hamas allegedly subjected victims of October 7 attacks to sexual assault and murder, as per recent report

Victims of the Hamas-led massacre in Israel were said to have been…
Travis Decker potentially spotted by family in vast Idaho forest

Family may have sighted Travis Decker in extensive Idaho woodland

Alleged child murderer Travis Decker was reportedly seen in a sprawling Idaho…
Elon Musk announces formation of 'America Party'

Elon Musk creates new political party called the ‘America Party’

(The Hill) Tech billionaire Elon Musk said Saturday he has officially formed…
Former Houston appointee claims flood-ravaged Camp Mystic is 'Whites-only' in viral video

Former Houston appointee claims flood-ravaged Camp Mystic is ‘Whites-only’ in viral video

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A former appointee to…
Bay Street near Jacksonville's Maxwell House Coffee plant down to 1 lane

Reduction to One Lane on Bay Street Near the Maxwell House Coffee Plant in Jacksonville

A JEA spokesperson crews will be working Bay Street near the Maxwell…
Trump will 'probably' visit Texas on Friday after flash flooding

Likely Visit to Texas by Trump on Friday Following Flash Floods

President Trump said on Sunday that he expects to travel to Texas…
'Let's not be naive about this'

“Let’s not be overly trusting about this.”

A warning has been issued by the top chief of the defense…
Who are the Texas flood victims?

Identifying the Individuals Affected by Flooding in Texas

At least 82 people were killed and dozens are missing after devastating flash…