A car saleswoman in Florida has taken legal action against her former employer, claiming she endured racial harassment from a colleague who reportedly remarked that she “smelled like the Middle East.” Chrisanna Abad, who identifies as being of Middle Eastern and Hispanic descent, has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Gary Yeomans Honda of Daytona Beach, alleging not only racial discrimination but also violations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Allegations of Workplace Harassment
In her lawsuit, Abad, 29, details a series of offensive comments directed at her by a coworker shortly after she began her role as a sales consultant in April 2025. The complaint alleges that alongside the derogatory remarks, the colleague threatened physical violence. Despite bringing her concerns to the attention of management, Abad claims her boss dismissed her complaints, urging her to “stop b****ing, complaining, and being childish.”
Abad’s experience unfolds against a backdrop of increasing anti-Islam sentiment in the United States, particularly from some members of the Republican Party. This climate, marked by inflammatory remarks from politicians, has been linked to a rise in hate crimes targeting Muslim communities across the nation.
Lack of Support from Management
After enduring months of harassment, Abad escalated her concerns to the human resources department in June 2025. Unfortunately, she reports that the response from HR was similarly inadequate, with the general manager advising her to overlook the racist comments and focus on her work. The environment did not improve; instead, she alleges that the harassment continued and intensified, with her coworker referring to her as “the Arab.”
The toll of the discriminatory atmosphere became evident when Abad suffered a severe migraine attack in late July 2025, requiring hospitalisation. Upon her return, she was terminated from her job for missing three days of work due to her health issues, an action she claims was influenced by the stress of her work environment.
Seeking Justice and Damages
Abad’s lawsuit not only cites race-based and national origin discrimination but also highlights her migraines as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. She is seeking both back and front pay, compensatory and punitive damages, and coverage for legal fees, with a jury to determine the final amount.
The dealership, a part of a long-established automotive group, has yet to publicly comment on the lawsuit. Abad’s former workplace is now under scrutiny, as her claims reflect broader societal issues surrounding discrimination and the treatment of minority groups in the workplace.
Why it Matters
The case of Chrisanna Abad underscores the ongoing struggles against workplace discrimination in the United States. It reveals how racial bias and a lack of appropriate support mechanisms can create hostile work environments, affecting not only the victims but also their families and communities. As discrimination continues to manifest in various forms, Abad’s pursuit of justice serves as a reminder of the vital need for accountability and protective measures within the workforce. The outcome of this lawsuit may set a precedent for future cases and highlight the importance of fostering inclusive workplaces for all.
