Tourist Takes Legal Action with Three Lawsuits During NYC Vacation

During what was supposed to be a leisurely visit to New York City, a German tourist named Faycal Manz found himself embroiled in legal battles over a series of incidents he encountered. The vacation, which began as a quest to explore the city’s iconic attractions and culinary offerings, took an unexpected turn when Manz decided to try Mexican cuisine in the heart of Times Square.

While dining at Los Tacos No. 1, a well-known taco spot, Manz, who had never tasted tacos before, reportedly suffered from ‘severe physical symptoms’ after consuming what he described as ‘dangerously’ spicy green salsa. The experience led him to file a lawsuit seeking six figures in damages, claiming that the intensity of the spice caused him considerable pain.

Beyond the spice debacle, Manz’s grievances extended to other encounters in the city. He filed a lawsuit against Walmart, challenging their Wi-Fi access policy. Additionally, he took legal action against the New York Police Department, citing their inability to facilitate calls to foreign numbers as another source of frustration during his trip.

These legal claims, captured in documents obtained by the Daily Mail, paint a picture of a tourist’s vacation that veered off course, highlighting the potential for cultural missteps and communication breakdowns in a bustling metropolis like New York City.

But after downing three tacos, each loaded with generous portions of salsa, he began experiencing ‘nonstop pain.’

Manz claimed he suffered a whirlwind of injuries including ‘diarrhea, nausea,’ and ‘mouth/tongue blisters,’ along with a rapid heart rate, after unknowingly indulging in the green salsa, according to his lawsuit. 

Although Manz admitted he didn’t sample or ask an employee about the spice levels, and even acknowledged having a sensitive stomach, he argued that the New York City restaurant failed to warn him of the potential risks. 

The tourist also said he didn’t seek medical treatment in the US or after returning home to Germany. 

German tourist Faycal Manz sued a Times Square Los Tacos No.1 spot for six figures after eating ‘dangerously’ spicy green salsa

Manz said he wanted to try Mexican food from spot and that he ‘had never eaten tacos before,’ per the suit

He finished out the rest of his NYC trip as planned – attending the US Open and eating normally. 

Manhattan federal court Judge Dale Ho dismissed his claims in a 12-page long written opinion.

‘Mexican food, and more specifically salsa, is often spicy,’ the document stated. ‘In fact when it comes to salsa the spice is often the point.’

Ho added that Manz lacked substantial evidence that Los Tacos’ salsa was ‘abnormally’ spicy, stating: ‘There is no duty to warn a consumer of the spice-related risks of eating salsa.’ 

He also noted that the tourist relied solely on his own injuries as evidence and provided no proof that anyone else suffered similar problems after eating the taco spot’s salsa. 

‘A quick google search for “Mexican food,” “salsa,” or even Los Tacos reviews likely would have revealed that salsa can be quite spicy,’ the document read.

To further undermine his claim, the green salsa Manz called dangerously spicy was labeled ‘medium’ in online photos, while the red salsa he allegedly ate without issue was marked ‘spicy.’ 

‘Manz also admits that he is particularly predisposed to spice-related ailments and admits that he generally avoids spicy foods at home,’ Ho wrote.

‘A reasonable person with Manz’s characteristics could have easily discovered that the salsa at Los Taco’s was spicy.’ 

The green salsa Manz called dangerously spicy was labeled ‘medium’ in online photos, while the red salsa he allegedly ate without issue was marked ‘spicy’

Manz admitted he didn’t smell, sample or ask an employee about the spice levels of the salsa

Customers eat at a Los Tacos No. 1 Mexican taqueria in Times Square, New York

On top of the taco debacle, the German tourist filed another lawsuit in the states, against a New Jersey Walmart for discrimination. 

He argued that he could not access the store’s Wi-Fi because the login required a domestic phone number and that it ‘effectively segregates and excludes international visitors from essential services,’ but the case was dismissed. 

In a third lawsuit, Manz sued the NYPD after calling to report a crime and claiming an officer said they couldn’t call him back because their system was ‘unable to call foreign numbers.’

Manz is seeking $10 million in damages, policy changes allowing the NYPD to place international calls, and mandatory training to improve communication with nonresident and foreign-language callers.

The NYPD denied all of Manz’s allegations, and the case is ongoing.