WARNING - DD filmed by two older men in Plaza America Reston Starbucks

[Anonymous]

My 25 year old DD and her friend were in the Plaza America Reston Starbucks when a young woman approached my daughter and said two older (50s) men were sitting together filming on their phone, mostly my DD who was facing them. My DD immediately texted me (I’m out of town) and asked what she should do. I said call the police and let them handle it. Both girls were reluctant to do so, so told a male Barista who bravely went over and approached the men, telling them to delete the recording. The girls left and went to her friend’s Mom’s home. I called the non-emergency number and the officer was very nice, but said that it was not a crime unless it was lewd filming (i.e. in a bathroom stall, etc).

When I get back I’m going to that Starbucks and leaving a huge tip in their cup.

[Anonymous]

That's awful - sorry that happened. Glad the barista intervened.

[Anonymous]

To be fair, they were in a public place. Anyone can take pictures or video of people who are in public places.

[Anonymous]

Your 25 year old daughter couldn’t figure out what to do without your help? Yikes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To be fair, they were in a public place. Anyone can take pictures or video of people who are in public places.

Well they weren't arrested. And people have a right not to feel like they are going to be harmed. Starbucks has a right to ask you to leave - it's a private business.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your 25 year old daughter couldn’t figure out what to do without your help? Yikes.

I wouldn't have known exactly what to do and I'm 34.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your 25 year old daughter couldn’t figure out what to do without your help? Yikes.

It is really disturbing that a 25 year old’s first instinct when faced with a troubling situation was to text her mother. What has happened to this generation?

Also, it’s creepy and gross but not a crime to film in public. Calling the police was not the right advice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My 25 year old DD and her friend were in the Plaza America Reston Starbucks when a young woman approached my daughter and said two older (50s) men were sitting together filming on their phone, mostly my DD who was facing them. My DD immediately texted me (I’m out of town) and asked what she should do. I said call the police and let them handle it. Both girls were reluctant to do so, so told a male Barista who bravely went over and approached the men, telling them to delete the recording. The girls left and went to her friend’s Mom’s home. I called the non-emergency number and the officer was very nice, but said that it was not a crime unless it was lewd filming (i.e. in a bathroom stall, etc).

When I get back I’m going to that Starbucks and leaving a huge tip in their cup.

There is no expectation of privacy in a public place. The person taking the photo should have told the barista to buzz off as he was doing nothing illegal. A 25 year old woman should be able to fend for herself and not need to call her mommy. Also, the police could have done nothing as no crime was committed!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your 25 year old daughter couldn’t figure out what to do without your help? Yikes.

I wouldn't have known exactly what to do and I'm 34.

Seriously. I'm probably around the op's age and I would've asked a man to intercede as her dd did. In the moment, it's hard to know how or whether to respond.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 25 year old DD and her friend were in the Plaza America Reston Starbucks when a young woman approached my daughter and said two older (50s) men were sitting together filming on their phone, mostly my DD who was facing them. My DD immediately texted me (I’m out of town) and asked what she should do. I said call the police and let them handle it. Both girls were reluctant to do so, so told a male Barista who bravely went over and approached the men, telling them to delete the recording. The girls left and went to her friend’s Mom’s home. I called the non-emergency number and the officer was very nice, but said that it was not a crime unless it was lewd filming (i.e. in a bathroom stall, etc).

When I get back I’m going to that Starbucks and leaving a huge tip in their cup.

There is no expectation of privacy in a public place. The person taking the photo should have told the barista to buzz off as he was doing nothing illegal. A 25 year old woman should be able to fend for herself and not need to call her mommy. Also, the police could have done nothing as no crime was committed!

Says the voyeuristic entitled pervert.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your 25 year old daughter couldn’t figure out what to do without your help? Yikes.

It is really disturbing that a 25 year old’s first instinct when faced with a troubling situation was to text her mother. What has happened to this generation?

Also, it’s creepy and gross but not a crime to film in public. Calling the police was not the right advice.

Meh, not OP but I don't think it's disturbing. I'm 46, but in my 20s I had many strange men make me nervous in public. Women are conditioned to not rankle men or make them uncomfortable so I would tolerate it - try to not rock the boat - then after the encounter I'd always regret it. I used to feel horrible about it until social media in the last 10 years introduced me to a ton of feminists who would call out and label this behavior as totally normal survival skills.

I'd love to think a 25 year old woman would go over and call these guys out - but in the moment it's normal to freeze.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To be fair, they were in a public place. Anyone can take pictures or video of people who are in public places.

Well they weren't arrested. And people have a right not to feel like they are going to be harmed. Starbucks has a right to ask you to leave - it's a private business.

It is a private business serving the public. We're there any signs prohibiting filming in Starbucks? If not, film away.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your 25 year old daughter couldn’t figure out what to do without your help? Yikes.

I wouldn't have known exactly what to do and I'm 34.

Really? How about just get up and leave. OP is a hysterical loon.

[Anonymous]

That's creepy!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your 25 year old daughter couldn’t figure out what to do without your help? Yikes.

It is really disturbing that a 25 year old’s first instinct when faced with a troubling situation was to text her mother. What has happened to this generation?

Also, it’s creepy and gross but not a crime to film in public. Calling the police was not the right advice.

Meh, not OP but I don't think it's disturbing. I'm 46, but in my 20s I had many strange men make me nervous in public. Women are conditioned to not rankle men or make them uncomfortable so I would tolerate it - try to not rock the boat - then after the encounter I'd always regret it. I used to feel horrible about it until social media in the last 10 years introduced me to a ton of feminists who would call out and label this behavior as totally normal survival skills.

I'd love to think a 25 year old woman would go over and call these guys out - but in the moment it's normal to freeze.

I don’t think it’s disturbing that they didn’t confront the men. Clearly that is not usually going to be your safest bet. But it is a bit disturbing that they didn’t go over to staff or call the police themselves first. They aren’t 17, they are 25.