On Monday, September 8, 2025, I—a Black male customer—was subjected to racial discrimination and public defamation at the Aldi store on Madison Avenue in Indianapolis. I presented a legitimate $20 bill. The cashier, Sarah, inspected it, confirmed the watermark, then claimed her safe wouldn’t take it. She took the bill to a back office and later said the machine rejected it, so I calmly paid with my debit card. After I paid, she brought out the store manager, Joy, who falsely accused me—loudly and in front of customers—of using “fake money.” When I said I was leaving, she physically blocked my exit and said, “I think not.” Moments later, a 911 call was made falsely describing me as “a Black, kinda tall” man harassing customers and refusing to leave, even though I had already completed my purchase. Police arrived and found no wrongdoing. Joy denied accusing me, despite the fact that her statements were caught on video. Later that day, a bank verified that the bill was 100% real. A district manager admitted store policy was violated and called the situation “mishandled.” But Aldi has offered no apology, no accountability, and no justice. This is how I was treated—for simply existing while Black and using cash.

Falsely accused of using counterfeit money at Aldi (2955 Madison Ave. Indianapolis, IN)