'Male Karen' Ricky Schroder confronts Costco employee on being asked to mask up, Internet calls him 'bully'
Update: Ricky Schroder has issued a formal apology to the Costco employee who refused to let Schroder into Costco without a mask. He said in a video uploaded to Instagram: "Jason, nothing personal. I'm not upset with you or anybody in the position like you have, who works for a living," Schroder said. "I understand you were following your laws and rules. I was trying to make a point to the corporate overlords and I'm sorry that I had to use you to do it. And if I hurt your feelings, I apologize."
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention might have made the latest changes to their mask mandates but not before sparking chaos. More and more people are confused about the new rules and it is leading to quite some sticky situations. Former 'Silver Spoons' and 'NYPD Blue' actor Ricky Schroder found himself in one such situation and as one thing led to another, he earned himself a new name - the Male Karen.
In a video filmed by the actor himself and posted on his Facebook page, the actor is seen confronting a Costco employee about the recent mask mandates. The 51-year-old is seen asking a Costco employee why he wasn't allowed inside the store unmasked.
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"Because in the state of California and the county of Los Angeles, and Costco, there has been no change to our mask policy," the employee, whose name is Jason, responded.
'You didn't see the news?'
Just days after the Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced that people who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 do not need to wear masks in most indoor and outdoor spaces, Schroder's video took over the internet.
“You didn’t see the news?” Schroder replied. “Nationwide Costco has said you don’t need to wear masks.” That is indeed true, but only to an extent - retailers, including Costco, have dropped their mask requirements following CDC's announcement, but, according to CEO Craig Jelinek, only at "locations where the state or local jurisdiction does not have a mask mandate". Trader Joe's, Walmart, Sam's Club, and Publix are reportedly the first to abide by the new regulations with limitations.
At the same time, it is reported that both California and Los Angeles are still implementing mask requirements.
"Actually, that’s not accurate. What is accurate is that Costco always goes above and beyond when following the law and the mandate in California has not changed," the employee explained. Schroder continued saying, "The people in power? You’re going to listen to these people? They’ve destroyed our economy. They’re destroying our culture. They’re destroying our state. And you’re just going to listen to their rules?"
He then asked for a "refund from Costco" and urged people to "give up your membership to Costco until they remove this (mask mandate)."
'Only way Schroder can get on camera'
Social media users were not at all liking this side of the actor. And many called him out for that. An Instagram page named CrazyKarens that often shares videos of Karens in action, share Schroder's entire video. Calling him "ancient child "star"", the page wrote, "Ancient child “star” @rickyschroder - (who, might I add, donated to Kyle Rittenhouse’s bail - the 17 year old who shot two people in Kenosha last year for protesting) went into Costco to make a scene about their mask policy, after being denied service this Karen requested a refund for his membership."
One user commented, "Ain’t nobody but YOU got time to argue with Costco. Book a gig sir 😂😂" Another added, "Damn Ricky...that’s a hard 51. Lay off the meth and brown juice." Along similar lines, another user added, "Lol, only way he can get on camera."
It didn't help his case that he has a record of upsetting people - in November 2020, the actor was seen taking photos with Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old accused of killing two people and injuring one during a protest. Such deep was the relationship that Schroder also partially paid for Rittenhouse's $2 million bail, which reportedly put Rittenhouse's bond fundraising effort "over the top," according to attorney L. Lin Wood.
"These old white conservatives really are so childish," one said. Another said: "Just wants his few minutes of fame. What’s so hard about following the rules? If it’s required, wear your mask. Where it’s not, don’t wear it. Simple. Stores have the right to set their own rules."
Another person commenting on the actor's Facebook page slammed the star and wrote: "You bullied a service worker and then posted a video about it on social media. Let me guess-- you didn't get Jason's permission to do this, yet you knew that your goal was to humiliate him in public. You got what you wanted. You got your refund. You're not being heroic. You're not standing up for your rights. You're being a bully. You're no different than any other petulant customer that gets precisely what he wants but still isn't satisfied and then calls the manager. Jason is the hero here, because he stood up to YOU. He stood up to the bully. I strongly urge you to delete this video, for whatever good it will do, and then give Jason a sincere apology for your abysmal behavior."
People praised Jason and another employee who intervened for the way they handled the situation. "These Costco employees handled this with so much class and professionalism 👏👏" Another user said, "That poor employee smh he explained everything so well and remained polite.... he deserves a raise and some time off lol No one needs to deal with that shit while trying to earn a living."
"The Costco Management was remarkably professional . 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾" Another commented, "Jason deserves employees of the year. Give that man. Trip to Disney works! God bless you Jason."