A Bridgeport man previously employed as a supervisor at a Westport Starbucks says a federal agency has granted him the right to sue his former employer over claims they failed to ban a customer who had repeatedly harassed him.

Dayshawn Rodriguez, 29, says he endured both physical abuse and verbal racial slurs. He says the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has granted him the right to sue his former employer, Starbucks.

Rodriguez says he left Starbucks voluntarily about a year ago because he could not take it anymore after a customer harassed him physically and verbally on a regular basis for the better part of a year. News 12 reported on the incident, which also gained national attention.  

Rodriguez says the customer repeatedly hurled racial slurs at him and physically poked him in the chest.

He says while Starbucks issued a statement of support, the company failed to ban the woman from the Westport store where he worked during the time he was employed there.

Starbucks has not responded yet to this latest development, but the coffee giant issued a statement to News 12 Connecticut one year ago, which read, "None of our partners should feel harassed while in our stores and we take these matters seriously. Our stores are a place of community, where everyone is welcome, provided they contribute to a positive environment and an enjoyable experience. We are aware of the social media post, have thoroughly investigated the matter alongside local law enforcement, and have taken appropriate action to ensure the safety of our partners – which includes the formal restriction of the customer from our stores in the area."

Rodriguez says he plans to file the suit in the coming week.