US: Family denies refusing tip to lesbian waitress over her ‘gay lifestyle’

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A family in New Jersey has denied the claim of a waitress who recently said she was denied a tip because of her “gay lifestyle.”

Dayna Morales, a gay former marine, allegedly received a note which read: ”I’m sorry but I cannot tip because I don’t agree with your lifestyle & how you live your life.”

However, NBC 4 New York reports the family to whom the bill belonged contacted the network after the story broke out, denying they had any part in writing the abusive message.

The family, who wished to remain anonymous, provided what they said was documentation proving they had not refused a tip.

They showed NBC 4 New York a receipt with an identical time-stamp and date, for the same $93.55 total, except with an included $18 tip.

They also provided a document they said was a card statement, which indicated their Visa was charged for the meal plus tip, totalling at $111.55.

“Never would a message like that come from us,” said the husband.

He added: “It’s a disgusting thing to do. The restaurant profits from this, obviously Dayna’s profiting from this – and it’s fraud, it’s a scam.”

The wife said: “We’ve never not left a tip when someone gave good service, and we would never leave a note like that.”

Ms Morales told NBC 4 New York on Monday that she was certain she did not receive a tip, also denying the handwriting was hers.

She said: “All I know is what I’ve been saying.”

Previously, Ms Morales said that when she introduced herself to the couple and their two children, the mother was allegedly shocked by Ms Morales’ short hair, and said: “Oh I thought you were gonna say your name is Dan. You sure surprised us!”

The family have claimed this was a misunderstanding, however, and said the hostess who sat the family told them their server would be “Dan,” which surprised them when it turned out to be otherwise.

The mother claimed she said: “Whoa, you’re not Dan!”

The restaurant has said in a statement it is aware of the allegations and has no comment pending an internal investigation.

In September, a Yorkshire bar apologised for identifying two straight male patrons as “gay guys” on their till receipt. 

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