DETROIT – What began as a conversation between two old friends Tuesday on their private Facebook pages escalated into an all-out social media flame war over multiple platforms.
Marko Jerant, who co-owns Bookies Bar and Grille, posted a status on his Facebook page about the shooting of an unarmed black man by Tulsa police. Things began to escalate when comments that went back and forth with his friend, David Gray, got heated.
Jernat’s posts, which have now been taken down, in part, read, "Do you mean the unarmed man who didn’t listen to police….again" and, "Get ready for the liberal media frenzy of BS."
Gray put the conversation on blast and it went viral. Twitter erupted with promises of boycotting the bar. There have been death threats, nasty phone calls and prank orders.
Late Tuesday night, the bar’s other co-owner went on camera.
"It’s a very sensitive topic and his comments are not part of my views, not part of Bookies Bar and Grille views as a business," Jay Lambrecht said. "I understand why people are upset. We’re upset by them too."
Jernat has deleted his Facebook account, but sent out a lengthy apology letter.
"I am embarrassed and regret the tone and tenor of my comments, as written words often lose inflection," the letter said.
Several people who were promoting a boycott of the business on social media declined to be interviewed.
