Walmart has responded to backlash after banning social media influencer Damon Darling, known for surprising strangers by paying for their groceries. The retail giant stated that Darling "repeatedly engaged in ways that created safety concerns and customer disruptions," leading to a lifetime ban from all Walmart, Sam's Club, and Murphy USA locations.
Darling, who has amassed over 3.5 million followers for his acts of generosity, revealed the ban earlier this week. In videos shared on social media, Darling is seen interacting with store employees and law enforcement who informed him he was no longer permitted on the property and had been issued a trespass warning. "This is private property," an employee told Darling, while a police officer later clarified the ban was "for life."
The influencer's videos of surprising people with cash or covering their purchases had garnered widespread positive attention. The ban sparked outrage online, with many users expressing support for Darling and criticizing Walmart's decision. Comments included calls for boycotts and disbelief that someone performing charitable acts would be banned.
A Walmart spokesperson told the Daily Mail that while "helping people is part of who we are," the company has a responsibility to maintain a "safe and respectful place to shop and work." The spokesperson added that "unauthorized filming is prohibited" and that Walmart reserves the right to enforce this policy.
Darling acknowledged his past content included skits that may have been disruptive, stating that "content has completely evolved into wholesome content." He expressed a desire to move past the incident, issuing an apology and urging his followers to stop boycotting Walmart. He also stated he still hopes to reconcile with the company and potentially have his own products sold there in the future.
Following the public reaction, Darling posted another video encouraging his followers to allow him to continue his work with other retailers, provided he has their consent and "only film[s] if I have their consent." He asked other large retailers to contact him if they are interested in collaborating to give back to their customers.
Sources indicate that Darling has previously created content in Walmart stores that involved staged pranks, such as knocking merchandise off shelves or pouring milk over himself, which he described as part of his "humor" as a content creator and comedian. He emphasized that his current content is focused on wholesome acts and bringing smiles to people's faces.