Alleged Racist Encounter Between Black Mom, Daughter and White Man at Pasadena Westin’s Pool Goes Viral on Social and National Media

Carle Wheeler, a black hotel guest at the Pasadena Westin who was on vacation with her family from Texas, recorded an alleged racist encounter with a white man who she said harassed her and her five-year-old daughter at the hotel’s pool on Monday, June 11. The Facebook video went viral, and caught the attention of national, and international, media.

The unidentified man asked if Wheeler and her child showered before swimming and reportedly claimed to be a health inspector. Wheeler said there were multiple guests at the pool but she and her daughter were the only ones singled out by the man.

Wheeler then recorded part of the confrontation in which the man said, “I’m tired of getting in pools people consider baths. Google it. Google the diseases in pools.”

The shouting between Wheeler and the man caught the attention of hotel staff, including Westin general manager Carl Sprayberry who attempted to intervene to control the argument. Sprayberry asked the man to leave before telling the family they were free to enjoy the pool.

Wheeler posted the video on social media along with a second video saying, “It’s just sad that in 2018 we are still dealing with these issues and still having to teach our children things that people had to teach their children in the 50’s and 60’s. Nothing has changed.”

Westin management confirmed the incident had happened and said the man didn’t work for the hotel, nor do they believe he is a health inspector. They also released a statement saying, “In light of these events that happened, we feel it is important to share that we do not condone comments or behavior directed to our pool guests. The safety and security of our guests is our top priority. We strive to maintain an environment where our guests feel welcome and are treated with equal respect and attention from our team.”

Wheeler and her daughter checked out of the Westin on Monday.