A video capturing a heated exchange outside a dry cleaning business at Westfield Bondi Junction, during which a staff member reportedly declared "I am a racist," has led to a police investigation.
The incident, which has circulated widely online, allegedly began when a shopper, identified by the Instagram creator Melody, asked a female staff member at Sew Smart Dry Cleaners and Alterations for tissues to clean up a small mess on the floor.
According to Melody, the staff member refused the request rudely and immediately called for security. Melody and a friend then approached Westfield's own cleaning staff to address the mess. While they waited, Melody claims the Sew Smart employee stood at the store's entrance, exhibiting hostile behavior.
Melody stated that she later approached the employee to question her aggressive demeanor. The exchange escalated, with Melody claiming the woman responded with racist abuse. Feeling threatened, Melody began recording the incident on her phone.
The resulting footage appears to show the staff member repeatedly stating, "Yes! Yes! I am a racist." Melody also alleged that during the recording, the employee swung a coat hanger towards her face, prompting her to raise her hand to protect herself. The coat hanger reportedly struck both her hand and face, while the verbal abuse continued.
NSW Police confirmed they were called to the shopping center on July 30, 2026, following reports of an assault. Officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command attended and were informed that a woman had allegedly assaulted a 24-year-old woman after a verbal altercation. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the alleged assault.
Melody described experiencing significant emotional distress and feeling shocked, humiliated, and frightened by the confrontation. She expressed disappointment that such an incident occurred in a major shopping center, emphasizing her belief that customers should feel safe and respected regardless of their racial background.
When reached for comment, Sew Smart and Scentre Group, which operates Westfield Bondi Junction, had not responded by the time of publication. A visit to the dry cleaner revealed the staff member from the video was not present, with an Asian female staff member behind the counter who declined to comment.