What started as a heated moment inside a restaurant in Manning has now sparked an online conversation — and a public apology.
Christopher Philip Wallman Jr., the owner of The Grill, is facing backlash after a video of a dispute with a Black couple over a $130 bill went viral.
The clip, which quickly made rounds on social media, shows Wallman accusing the couple of trying to skip out on the tab.
But the couple firmly pushed back, saying they had every intention of paying and weren’t trying to run off with anyone’s money.
“We’ve Got Money,” the Wife Tells Wallman in Viral Clip
In the now widely shared video, Wallman can be heard confronting the couple.
He accuses them of not wanting to pay for their meal, which reportedly came out to $130.
The woman in the video calmly responds, making it clear they have the funds to cover their meal and are not trying to dine and dash.
The exchange is tense, and the video ends up painting a controversial picture — one that many online viewers have reacted strongly to, especially because the couple is Black and the confrontation struck some as racially charged.
Wallman Responds with a Public Apology and Clarification
In response to the backlash, Christopher Wallman took to The Grill’s official page to address the situation.
He admitted that the video circulating is from an earlier incident — back when the restaurant first opened.
“I apologize for reacting to that couple the way I did,” Wallman wrote.
He explained that there were “several circumstances” that happened before the recording began — events that, according to him, added context to his behavior, though he acknowledged it doesn’t excuse his actions.
“It Has Nothing to Do with Race,” Wallman Says
Wallman also pushed back against the racial angle that many online commenters suggested.
“It has nothing to do with race, color, creed, religion, nothing,” he stated, trying to clear the air about the nature of the confrontation.
He added that the couple had been dissatisfied with something during their visit — though he didn’t get into specifics — and that the situation was not handled correctly on his part. “That’s on me,” he essentially admitted.
The Lesson Behind the Viral Moment
While Wallman’s apology may not satisfy everyone, it does highlight something important: how a moment caught on camera, especially in a public-facing business, can spark larger discussions — about customer service, conflict resolution, and yes, even race.
As the clip continues to circulate, it’s a reminder to business owners and customers alike that how things are handled — and how they appear — matters more than ever in the digital age.
