Restaurant owner in viral 'I am a racist' video sues people who posted it on social media
Dr. Jonathan Spanos filmed during racist rant (Photo: Screen capture via video)
April 15, 2025
Dr. Jonathan Spanos, owner of The Paddock on Market restaurant in York County, Pennsylvania, has filed a lawsuit against three individuals after they posted a video of a public racist tirade he had last year.
PennLive reported that Spanos, a former member of the Penn State York's advisory board, went viral in a video where he used the N-word and argued with individuals on the street. He also repeatedly shouted, “I am a racist.”
Spanos has since resigned from the advisory board and apologized for the rant, but the couple now says they're the victims of threats.
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According to Fox43, the couple says they have “suffered severe emotional distress including stress, anxiety, insomnia and fear for their safety.”
They're suing Anastasios Marros, Kostas J. Sgagias and Meghan Dundon for $250,000 each, "as well as pre-judgement interest, post-judgement interest, punitive damages, costs of suits, and other compensation," the report said.
The Paddock at Market has closed temporarily, the website says.
The lawsuit has ignited new interest in the video.
The video is posted below or can be seen here.