COLUMBUS, Ohio — Employees of an Old North Columbus bar believe they were victims of a hate crime after a man showed up yelling homophobic slurs and causing damage to the property Wednesday night.
Cora Helton, owner of Bossy Grrl’s Pin Up Joint, said the establishment is a burlesque bar that’s queer-focused but welcomes anyone. She said she and her staff are still shaken up after events Wednesday night led to damages to their property and an employee being physically assaulted.
Helton wasn’t at the bar at the time of the incident but received a call from one of her employees who said a man came into the bar and caused a scene.
"He immediately got on the stage while we had performers performing on the stage, which it's in our rules as you enter the facility that you can't get on the stage,” Helton said.
Helton said he was then pulled off stage and a bartender interfered, attempting to de-escalate the situation.
"At this point, he seemed like he might have been disturbed or intoxicated in some way,” Helton said.
Then Helton said he was becoming a danger, yelling homophobic slurs.
"He was saying things like there's going to be a war of straights versus gays and calling people pedophiles,” Helton said.
Helton said their newest bartender then decided to step in, lifting him up and bringing him outside. The man then became violent.
"The assailant took a hard swing at her and split her lip. She had to get four stitches,” Helton said.
The man then left the area, but not for long. As he reapproached the bar, the bartender quickly rushed to shut and lock the door.
"When he realized she had locked the door, he starts headbutting and kicking until the window smashes in,” Helton said.
Eventually, police got to the scene. Meanwhile, employees worked to escort patrons and performers safely out the back door. Helton said despite the man not being armed they followed their active shooter plan to make sure everyone stayed safe.
"I think that's something that's incredibly important for any business to have, especially businesses that support marginalized communities,” Helton said.
This incident has also forced her to take a closer look at the safety measures they have in place.
"I already have a robust security system, but I'd like to have a camera out here so I can see what's happening on the street,” Helton said.
She also hopes this incident doesn’t deter customers.
"We're staying open, that we're staying as safe as possible and we're going to continue to be a place where people come to be with others like them,” Helton said.
Helton also wants to remind patrons they are still open for business and offering several drink specials and special performances where a portion of the proceeds will go toward door repairs and paid time off for the injured bartender.