Racist Note Left for LAX Server as Planet Hollywood Closure Looms

Guillermo Ortiz, a Puerto Rican server at Planet Hollywood in Los Angeles International Airport, received a discriminatory note instead of a tip, highlighting workplace vulnerabilities and societal tensions.

On March 21, 2025, Guillermo Ortiz discovered a racist note left by a couple at Planet Hollywood in LAX's Tom Bradley International Terminal, reading 'No tip for illegal' and 'Go back to Mexico.'
Ortiz, who is Puerto Rican but married to a Mexican woman, expressed his dismay at the incident and linked it to divisive political rhetoric, specifically referencing former President Trump.
The couple paid in cash, and Ortiz removed the mandatory 18.5% gratuity from their bill before finding the note about 20 minutes after they left.
Ortiz reported the incident to Planet Hollywood management, but it remains unclear whether an investigation was initiated by the company.
The restaurant is set to close permanently on April 5, 2025, leaving Ortiz and other staff members unemployed, compounding the emotional and economic impact of the incident.