Nordstrom is currently facing accusations of racial profiling involving a confrontation with a black luxury brand founder at an Arizona store, which might lead to a civil rights case as a critical filing deadline approaches.
Charles Sowell Kellam, who founded the luxury brand Fruitful Rooster, asserts that a manager at Scottsdale Fashion Square approached, confronted, and embarrassed him earlier this year while he was with his German Shepherd, Ruby, which he insists is a trained service animal.
Kellam claims he was targeted because of his race.
During the March 21 incident, security was called, and the situation escalated into the mall area, where bystanders captured parts of the altercation, according to reports.
It remains unclear whether the manager’s actions were racially motivated, as there’s a key dispute over whether Kellam’s dog was properly leashed during the encounter.
Reports indicate that Ruby was a “leashed, trained” service animal, with both Kellam and the manager stating that the dog was indeed leashed.
However, Kellam mentioned that the manager commented he should “bring a leash” next time, which implies that Nordstrom’s staff might have thought the dog wasn’t adequately restrained.
In Arizona, as well as under federal regulations, service animals are typically required to be leashed, unless doing so would disrupt their work or hinder their handler’s disability.
Kellam alleges that the manager watched him while he was in Nordstrom’s E-Bar, preparing for a government contract meeting, accused him of breaking store rules, and even instructed him not to return.
According to his story, security was called as a result.
In June, Kellam publicly shared his allegations, releasing video footage and accusing Nordstrom of profiling and stalking him. The following day, he launched a GoFundMe campaign related to the incident, aiming to raise money for a physical location for his Fruitful Rooster brand. As of Wednesday, he had only raised a bit over $800 of his $30,000 target.
Kellam’s attorney has formally requested surveillance footage from Nordstrom, but the detailed store and mall footage has not yet been disclosed.
He has escalated his complaints to Nordstrom’s corporate team and later discussed the matter in a roughly 25-minute call with a company representative alongside his attorney.
Kellam stated that Nordstrom approached the incident as an isolated misunderstanding rather than recognizing it as a discriminative act.
No internal investigations or company communications have been released to the public concerning the situation.
With a deadline approaching for filing a racial discrimination complaint with Arizona officials, Kellam finds himself up against a ticking clock—this incident occurred nearly six months ago, and Arizona law allows up to 180 days for such filings.
If a violation is confirmed, Arizona law permits compensatory damages for emotional distress, as well as possible injunctive relief, costs, and legal fees.
Comments from Kellam, his attorney, the involved manager, and Nordstrom have been sought by the media.
