Kellerman’s cafe rant is deemed to be “hate speech”
A derogatory “review” of a popular Stornoway coffee shop has been removed by the travel website TripAdvisor as it was found to be in breach of its “hate speech” rules.
It was posted by Claire Kellerman, the American woman who has been enmeshed in disputes with multiple local businesses and charities over her insistence that she is entitled to take her dog onto their premises.
Ms Kellerman has won notoriety for her action against Bernera Community Association which runs the café in the community centre which she is trying to sue for £10,000.
Her actions previously forced Bernera Development Trust to incur £7000 in legal bills when her agents, Glasgow-based Ethnic Minorities Law Centre, issued a writ against the wrong organisation, as it was eventually forced to admit.
Jayne Macritchie, owner of the highly-regarded Blue Lobster Café, was one of the few business owners who spoke out about Ms Kellerman’s behaviour following persistent efforts to enter the premises with her dog.
Ms Kellerman took to TripAdvisor to vent her spleen, accusing Ms Macritchie of discrimination and much else. The post attracted immediate counter-responses which gained further traction when comedian Stuart Kennedy took to social media to ridicule it.
As usual, Ms Kellerman’s hostility backfired by attracting great support for those whom she targets. The Blue Lobster already had near perfect reviews on TripAdvisor but over the past week, many more piled in to give the establishment five star ratings, with praise for Ms Macritchie’s dog-friendly hospitality (for those who respect the rules) as well as the quality of the coffee.
Ms Kellerman has also taken to Instagram, using one of her aliases, to attack those from around the world who contributed to a fund which will allow Bernera Community Association to defend itself against her legal action and also secure its future.
According to Ms Kellerman, “a tiny isle has scammed the public for over £200,000/$233,000” through a “campaign of hatred, torment and racism”. The Berenera Community Café, she maintains in “run by unethical people”.
Legal arguments around the process of her case are due to be called at Stornoway Sheriff Court in late February.