MONROE, N.C. — East Frank Superette and Kitchen has countersued a group of Monroe residents for defamation.
The suit alleges the group slandered the restaurant owners because it had hosted drag performances. This suit comes months after a lawsuit by the group was filed against East Frank, which claimed the restaurant altered photos of them to advertise the shows. The group claims it amounts to false advertising.
For over a year, downtown Monroe has felt like a chess board. There have been moves and countermoves. Carley Englander, co-owner of East Frank, advanced forward and filed the countersuit against the group of seven residents on Friday, April 12.
"Sue them right back," Englander said. "They’ve not only impacted our business but put us in a dangerous situation. We are countersuing for not just defamation but what defamation brings.”
Many of the plaintiffs have been outspoken about the drag shows performed at the restaurant. Some of the ones named have been seen protesting the shows and have said they are inappropriate for children.
“It is not a safe environment when protestors stand outside of our business and say pedophilia happening here," Englander said. “I don’t think until now we could tell our story or defend ourselves because we are being sued."
Jason Sneed, an attorney representing the community members, told WCNC Charlotte back in December of 2023 the restaurant took photos posted by the protestors and edited them to make it seem like the group was in support of the East Frank. The altered photos were then posted on social media.
"This is conduct that has gone on for many, many months," Sneed said.
Michelle Ball was a member of the original suit and is now named in the counter suit. In previous interviews, Ball remained consistent on why she has spoken out and protested against East Frank.
"Ultimately I’d like to see children protected," she said.
WCNC Charlotte reporter Austin Walker texted with Ball and asked for an interview. She directed him back to Sneed.
Sneed did not get back in time for the story to run.
Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.