Sunnybrook employee ‘no longer employed’ over viral ‘racist’ video

See more Toronto Sun on Google — save as a Preferred Source

A Toronto hospital says it has parted ways with an employee who was caught on video using “racist language” while riding on public transit.

The now-former staff member at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is “no longer employed” there after the hospital said it conducted an investigation into a recent video that was shared widely on social media.

“Following our investigation into the recent video circulating on social media of a Sunnybrook employee using racist language toward a fellow passenger on public transit, the individual is no longer employed at Sunnybrook,” the hospital said in a statement on X on Thursday.

“We recognize the harm this incident has caused, especially for our Black colleagues, patients, physicians, learners, volunteers and supporters,” it continued.

“This behaviour is inconsistent with our values, and we remain committed to taking meaningful action to create and maintain an environment where every member of our community is treated with dignity and respect.”

What did the former employee say and do?

The footage, which was shared online Wednesday, appears to show the woman pushing aside a stroller to sit in a TTC subway train’s priority seating area, insulting the mother, and attacking a man filming the interaction.

“What about her being Black, excuse me?” the man behind the camera can be heard asking before repeating what the woman said. “She’s a Black b****, huh?”

The mother with the stroller is heard adding: “A simple please or whatever would have gotten you anywhere in life.”

The ex-Sunnybrook staffer sneers at the woman and mutters something at her before waving her hand dismissively.

“Stay away from me,” she tells them, according to the video.

The mother calmly replies: “Have some manners. There’s no need to argue. It’s that simple. Just have manners.”

The woman, wearing a Sunnybrook hoodie with a hospital lanyard peeking out, proceeds to challenge the man filming her.

“What are you going to do?” she asks the rider after he questioned if she worked for Sunnybrook.

They exchanged a few more words before she yells, “Stop recording me,” and appears to knock his phone out of his hands before the video cuts out.

Sunnybrook quick to react

Soon after it was shared online, Sunnybrook responded that it was “aware of this video” and was looking into it.

“We are committed to building an equitable and inclusive environment for our patients and all who work, learn and live within our community,” the hospital said Wednesday.

“The language and behaviour in the video is unacceptable and inconsistent with this commitment and our values,” their message continued. “We are taking this matter seriously and are investigating to identify the individual and their affiliation with Sunnybrook.”

While the TTC does not have details on when or where the incident took place, the transit agency told the Toronto Sun that “the safety of our customers and employees is paramount.”

Spokesperson Stuart Green wrote in a statement: “Everyone riding the TTC should both feel safe and be safe while on our system.”

He added: “Like any right-thinking person, we are appalled by the use of racist language and by displays of aggressive, disrespectful, and discourteous behaviour on our system. Our advice to people witnessing this kind of incident is to report it immediately to TTC staff so it can be addressed and de-escalated.”

RECOMMENDED VIDEO

1. 

   Soccer
2. 

   Relationships
3. 

   Sunshine Girls
4. 

   MMA
5. 

   Baseball