Breaking News
Texas Salon Owner Refuses to Apologize for Defying Coronavirus Restrictions; Gets 7 Days in Jail
A Texas salon owner who refused to apologize for defying coronavirus-related restrictions was given seven days in jail.
According to Fox News, Shelley Luther remained open for business and was given a choice: Offer an apology for “selfishness” and pay a fine and shutdown until Friday or serve jail time.
“I have to disagree with you, sir, when you say that I'm selfish because feeding my kids is not selfish,” she told the judge. “I have hairstylists that are going hungry because they would rather feed their kids. So sir, if you think the law is more important than kids getting fed, then please go ahead with your decision. But I am not going to shut the salon.”
Breaking Restrictions
Her refusal to apologize led bailiffs to lead her away to be booked. “Her sentence reportedly symbolizes the seven-days she stayed open, despite county regulations,” said Fox News. Luther chose to ignore warnings by city officials and must also now pay a fine of $7,000.
Dallas salon owner who reopened in defiance of Texas' coronavirus restrictions sentenced to 7 days in jail https://t.co/HrnXRRjPSX. THEY PUT HER IN PRISON. THERE IS A LOT OF CRIMINALLY MISBEHAVED DELINQUENTS OFF OF THE EVERY DAY PUBLIC…… AND ARMY.
— HONORABLE MICHAEL ARROYO (@LordHonor1) May 6, 2020
USA Today reported that Luther also received a cease-and-desist letter from County Judge Clay Jenkins on Friday, which she ripped up the next day.
“Come and get it, Judge Clay Jenkins. Come and get it,” she said. “You have rights to feed your children and make income. And anyone that wants to take away those rights is wrong.”
Luther reopened her salon on April 24th. According to her, she reopened the salon while following social distancing guidelines. However, the city attorney said it didn’t matter because she defied the judge's temporary restrictions, as reported by USA Today.
On Tuesday, Gov. Greg Abbott announced the reopening of barbershops and salons. Hair salons, barbershops, and nail and tanning salons in Texas can reopen on Friday. Regulations must be followed such as having only one customer per stylist.
“This allows these types of businesses to open up, but it doesn’t require them to do so,” said Abbott. “Every owner of every salon should use their own best judgment.”
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