A 21-year-old former Asda employee, Daisy Johnson, is under police investigation after being filmed using racial slurs against a security guard in Rochdale. the incident occurred outside Ko Ko Lounge and resulted in Johnson's immediate termination from her job.
The Ko Ko Lounge confrontation and the 'sewer trash' insults
The incident took place last Saturday night outside the Ko Ko Lounge nightclub in Rochdale, where Daisy Johnson was recorded engaging in a vitriolic attack on a venue bouncer. According to the report, Johnson used the N-word, referred to the security guard as "sewer trash," and made monkey-like gestures during the encounter. the footage, which has since gone viral,also captures Johnson attempting to snatch a phone from the guard's hand.
The aggression was not limited to the security personnel. As reported by the source, Johnson also directed verbal abuse toward another member of the security staff and a patron of the club. when a bystander attempted to intervene and asked the guard to leave, Johnson reportedly turned her hostility toward that individual as well.
Asda's immediate termination of Daisy Johnson
The professional fallout for Daisy Johnson was swift following the dissemination of the video. Asda, the retail giant where Johnson was employed in Rochdale, confirmed that the 21-year-old has been dismissed with immediate effect. A spokesperson for Asda stated that the company does not tolerate any form of abusive behavior from its colleagues and determined that Johnson's conduct fell short of corporate standards.
This rapid response underscores the precarious nature of employment in the era of viral social media. For Asda, the priority was the immediate dissociation from the behavior captured in the footage to protect the brand's reputation from being linked to racial harassment.
Platinum Security Events and the systemic abuse of door staff
The footage was originally shared by Platinum Security Events, the firm responsible for providing door staff to Ko Ko Lounge. By publishing the video, Platinum Security Events aimed to shine a light on the frequent and often overlooked abuse that security personnel endure while performing their duties. The company described the event as an "alarming reminder" that those in positions of responsibility are often denied basic dignity and respect.
This incident reflects a broader, systemic trend where security staff—particularly those from minority backgrounds—are targeted with racially motivated harassment. The case highlights a growing tension in the nightlife industry, where the role of the bouncer is often viewed as a target for aggression rather than a professional service ensuring public safety.
Cheryl King's claim that Johnson is in hiding
While the public outcry has been severe, the family of the accused has presented a different narrative. Cheryl King, the mother of Daisy Johnson, claims that her daughter is currently in hiding and is "mortified" by the situation. According to the report, King asserts that Johnson has been subjected to stress and threats in the weeks following the viral spread of the video.
Several critical questions remain unanswered as the situation evolves. First, it is unclear whether the "threats" mentioned by Cheryl King have been reported to the authorities or if they are being cited to mitigate the public backlash. Second, while Greater Manchester Police have launched an invstigation and are reviewing evidence, it remains to be seen if and when an arrest will be made, as no charges have been filed to date.. Finally, the report only provides the perspective of the security firm and the employer, leaving the specific motivations or state of mind of Daisy Johnson—aside from the belief that she had been drinking—unexplored.
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