Ugly spat over Chopsi's brawl
An apparent homophobic attack has caused a Chopsi's patron to launch a boycott petition and lay criminal charges.
A local DJ and owner of famous hangout spot Chopsi's has found himself in the eye of a storm after patrons of his establishment accused him of turning a blind eye to violence and sometimes, homophobic attacks.
Quarrels and fights are a norm at many chilling spots, however, at the uptown bar Chopsi's, there seems to be an undertone where aggression appears to be exacerbated if one is a member of the LGBTIQA+ community.
This came to light when journalist and creative artist Keith Vries became the latest victim of what he describes as “one of these” attacks. According to Vries, he was violently attacked inside the bar by a male after he stood up to him when he touched his friend.
The fight continued outside in the courtyard but, Vries said, he was attacked again outside the bar's courtyard.
“I told the owner that I had been attacked for the second time and he didn't do anything about it, and further, the bouncers looked on as if they were told not to do anything. I eventually got into a car and this guy's friends kept circling the car laughing,” he said. Vries has since opened a case of assault as he feels it was “partially a hate crime” because, as he explained to tjil, a group of LGBTIQA+ members including himself, had stood up to the owner regarding his homophobic statements about gay men using women's bathrooms at his establishment.
Vries has since initiated a petition as well. The petition, 'Justice for Keith' states that spaces in Namibia allow men, especially those with money and who are heterosexual, to stay clear of accountability as their cheques are often more valuable than the dignity and integrity of women and the LGBTQI+ community. It further states that the owner of Chopsi's and the people that are meant to protect the community have not shown enough commitment to resolve the issue in any effective manner.
The petition, according to the website Change.org, is a first step away from the 'bystander culture' and the first step towards becoming 'defenders against violence'.
Chopsi's owner Chops Tshoopara insisted his bar is the one of the “safest places” in Windhoek. Tshoopara told tjil he had nothing to do with the fight and that it was a brawl between friends.
He added that homophobia has become a 'go-to card' that people pull when they are involved in fights or arguments.
“Chopsi's is one of the safest places in Windhoek for everyone. Regardless of what race or sexual orientation you are.
“And that is why my security is tight for my clients' safety. Troublemakers, like people who come in with their own drinks, are the ones that start fights and when my bouncers intervene and stop it, it looks as if we are the bullies,” he said. Tshoopara also commented on social media saying, “I signed their petition to help their cause. Mxium (sic). The further they are the safer our bar is.” He also shared the petition on the Chopsi's Facebook page.
The uproar on social media, however, is unrelenting as Chopsi's bar clients are threatening to boycott the establishment. Many have shared their negative experiences at Chopsi's. “People deserve to feel protected at that pub!!! Random niggas grope you! Then when you talk, you get hit!! And the bouncers are told not to deal with it!!! #NotSafeAtChopsis #ViolatedAtChopsis' one patron stated.
Another update read, “But honestly speaking, Chopsi's needs to be closed down. I have seen so many people being beaten up by the bouncers of Chopsi's, I have seen so many ladies being harassed in that place and all the owner does is chase them out of the pub, that place must close down. #ViolatedAtChopsis.”
JUNE SHIMUOSHILI
Quarrels and fights are a norm at many chilling spots, however, at the uptown bar Chopsi's, there seems to be an undertone where aggression appears to be exacerbated if one is a member of the LGBTIQA+ community.
This came to light when journalist and creative artist Keith Vries became the latest victim of what he describes as “one of these” attacks. According to Vries, he was violently attacked inside the bar by a male after he stood up to him when he touched his friend.
The fight continued outside in the courtyard but, Vries said, he was attacked again outside the bar's courtyard.
“I told the owner that I had been attacked for the second time and he didn't do anything about it, and further, the bouncers looked on as if they were told not to do anything. I eventually got into a car and this guy's friends kept circling the car laughing,” he said. Vries has since opened a case of assault as he feels it was “partially a hate crime” because, as he explained to tjil, a group of LGBTIQA+ members including himself, had stood up to the owner regarding his homophobic statements about gay men using women's bathrooms at his establishment.
Vries has since initiated a petition as well. The petition, 'Justice for Keith' states that spaces in Namibia allow men, especially those with money and who are heterosexual, to stay clear of accountability as their cheques are often more valuable than the dignity and integrity of women and the LGBTQI+ community. It further states that the owner of Chopsi's and the people that are meant to protect the community have not shown enough commitment to resolve the issue in any effective manner.
The petition, according to the website Change.org, is a first step away from the 'bystander culture' and the first step towards becoming 'defenders against violence'.
Chopsi's owner Chops Tshoopara insisted his bar is the one of the “safest places” in Windhoek. Tshoopara told tjil he had nothing to do with the fight and that it was a brawl between friends.
He added that homophobia has become a 'go-to card' that people pull when they are involved in fights or arguments.
“Chopsi's is one of the safest places in Windhoek for everyone. Regardless of what race or sexual orientation you are.
“And that is why my security is tight for my clients' safety. Troublemakers, like people who come in with their own drinks, are the ones that start fights and when my bouncers intervene and stop it, it looks as if we are the bullies,” he said. Tshoopara also commented on social media saying, “I signed their petition to help their cause. Mxium (sic). The further they are the safer our bar is.” He also shared the petition on the Chopsi's Facebook page.
The uproar on social media, however, is unrelenting as Chopsi's bar clients are threatening to boycott the establishment. Many have shared their negative experiences at Chopsi's. “People deserve to feel protected at that pub!!! Random niggas grope you! Then when you talk, you get hit!! And the bouncers are told not to deal with it!!! #NotSafeAtChopsis #ViolatedAtChopsis' one patron stated.
Another update read, “But honestly speaking, Chopsi's needs to be closed down. I have seen so many people being beaten up by the bouncers of Chopsi's, I have seen so many ladies being harassed in that place and all the owner does is chase them out of the pub, that place must close down. #ViolatedAtChopsis.”
JUNE SHIMUOSHILI
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