NORWALK, Conn. — Leaders from the NAACP Norwalk Branch and other community members are calling for a boycott of Bling Bling Nail Salon following allegations that a nail technician used racist and misogynistic language toward a Black woman during a disagreement over services.
Community leaders said the boycott is meant to send a clear message that racist behavior toward customers is unacceptable, especially when other staff do not step in.
“This is something that is totally, totally unacceptable”
Harry Rilling, Mayor of the City of Norwalk
The Alleged Incident
The alleged incident took place Dec. 30, shortly before noon, when Terano Higgs visited the salon with her daughter, Cherry Coop, for pedicure services.
According to Higgs’s Facebook post, she asked for a spa pedicure but later noticed that parts of the service she expected were not being done.
Coop said in a live video that her mother asked the nail technician, later identified by police as Hai Bin Zu, what was included in the spa service. She said Zu responded dismissively and became increasingly agitated as her mother continued to ask questions.
Coop said her mother tried to keep the situation calm and was asking for clarification when Zu used a racial slur toward her.
“He said, You Black n—– b—-.”
Cherry Coop, daughter of Terano Higgs
Coop said Zu then raised his hand in a threatening manner, appearing as though he might strike her mother.
She said she stood up to protect her mother, and the two left the salon after another customer told them not to pay for the services. Coop said Zu still expected payment as they left.
Community Confrontation and Police Response
As video of the incident spread on social media later that day, community members began responding.
That afternoon, local artist and community advocate Joe Grits went to Bling Bling Nail Salon to speak with staff about the earlier incident.
In a live video, Grits asked to speak with a manager and then questioned the nail technician about what had been said to Higgs earlier in the day. In the video, Zu apologizes and attributes his language to personal stress.
Grits rejected that explanation, saying Higgs deserved respect and emphasizing her standing in the community.
“You don’t talk to nobody like that, okay, especially not no elder that does stuff for this community.”
Joe Grits, Local Artist and Community Advocate
An unknown caller reported to the police that an unwanted guest was causing a disturbance at the salon.
In a press release, police stated there was no active disturbance upon arrival. Detectives later assumed control of the investigation after learning the earlier dispute may have involved racially offensive language.
Higgs reported that during the argument, Zu made disparaging racial comments toward her. Police said the argument escalated and that Higgs struck the technician on the side of the head with her hand. No injuries were reported.
Zu was arrested and charged with breach of peace. He was released on a written promise to appear in court.
Norwalk Police Chief James Walsh stated that a crime did occur, but at this time no hate crime has been discovered. Walsh said they are in “consultation with the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office in Stamford.”
Statements from Elected Officials and Community Leaders
As details of the incident became public, several elected officials and community leaders condemned the alleged conduct.
State Representative Travis Simms thanked Grits for handling the situation in a way he described as calm and focused on exposing ignorance.
“As a community, we must stand together and make it clear that we will not support businesses that disrespect or harm our residents.”
Jalin Sead Sr., Norwalk City Council Member
State Representative Kadeem Roberts posted that the alleged behavior was unacceptable and called for accountability, encouraging residents to support businesses that treat customers with dignity and respect.
“Racism is unacceptable, and so is this kind of language.”
Barbara Smyth, Mayor-Elect of the City of Norwalk
NAACP Response
Leaders from the NAACP Norwalk Branch strongly condemned the alleged language and conduct.
During a press conference, Brenda Penn Williams, president of the local NAACP chapter, said the boycott is a way for the community to use its economic power.
“When a business shows disrespect, we have the right and the responsibility to spend our money elsewhere,” Williams said.
“Dignity is not optional. Respect is not negotiable.”
Brenda Penn Williams, President of the Norwalk NAACP
Williams said the organization will continue to follow the police investigation and push for accountability.
Salon Response
A representative of Bling Bling Nail Salon told NancyOnNorwalk that Zu no longer works at the business. The representative said the salon took immediate action following the incident.
NancyOnNorwalk attempted to get ahold of Zu for comment, but was unable to connect with him.
What Happens Next
Police said the investigation into the incident is ongoing, and officials have not ruled out additional charges.
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