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A homeless man who was filmed being doused by security staff outside a McDonald’s has spoken out about the incident after footage went viral on social media.
Aaron McCarthy, 25, said he was made to feel “like I was nothing” after his bedding was rendered unusable by a worker who threw dirty water over the pavement where he was sitting.
Speaking to the BBC he said: “Most people think we’re just all drug addicts; no, I don’t chose to be out here, I don’t want to be out here.”
“I’m only 25 years old – I’ve been out here since I was 17.”
A McDonald’s spokesperson said the firm had “permanently removed” the “third-party security guards involved”.
McCarthy also said McDonald’s had also bought him new bedding and that, following the incident, he was given money which enabled him to stay in a hotel for the night.
He said he didn’t blame the fast-food chain, and said it had apologised to him.
Homeless charity Crisis told the BBC it condemned the actions of the security guard.
Crisis CEO Matt Downie said: “It’s appalling to see people mistreated like that.”
Westminster Council said it would also be offering support.
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