Sierra Measelle, the woman behind the
In an Instagram post on Sunday, Measelle claimed that her emotions got the best of her and led to a reaction that “goes completely against my beliefs and morals.”
Selina Cairel filmed Measelle’s vile comments, which she said has disrespected herself, her family and her “whole entire race” within seconds.
Speaking to KOIN TV, Measelle’s mother said that her daughter is “sorry” and “realizes she made a mistake.”
She added that Measelle is of Native American descent from a tribe in Alaska.
“I’d like to again offer my sincere apology to Ms. Cairel and I am sorry for the ignorant, hateful comments I made to her and her friend,” Measelle wrote in her apology. “I’m ashamed that I let my emotions get the best of me and I reacted in such a hurtful manner that goes completely against my beliefs and morals. I’m extremely disappointed in myself and my lack of empathy.”
The incident occurred on the evening of Sept. 11 in a parking lot in Portland.
Cairel, who had just returned from buying doughnuts, was shocked when Measelle started to make fun of her eyes in a mock Asian accent.
“She’s Asian, she can’t see that’s why she can’t drive,” Cairel quoted Measelle as saying.
Measelle then flipped out her phone to record Cairel “for Instagram” and challenged her legal status.
“Before you say anything you might wanna make sure you’re actually legal,” Measelle said. “Imma call the cops to let them know.”
She went on to claim that Cairel and her family are “illegals crossing the border” and that her parents “probably had to work for f**king dirt just to get here.”
Cairel’s post has since received at least 2.5 million views and thousands of comments, with many slamming Measelle’s behavior. Some went as far as harassing her employers.
“That’s terrible. That’s something I really really didn’t want to happen, especially to her,” Cairel told KVAL 13. “I apologize for people threatening your life and families and everything. I hope she’s okay.”
Measelle, who has 19,000 followers on Instagram, hopes that people will learn from her mistakes.
The Beaverton resident continued her apology:
“I plan to transform this negative situation into a positive learning opportunity and I hope that people who casually and carelessly use racist language will learn from my mistakes, as I have learned that these words and actions cause others much pain. I also want to say I’m sorry to all the people affected by my comments and especially my friends, family and place of employment for the harassment they’ve received over this.
“This incident has definitely allowed me to see how my behavior contributes to racism and how I can and need to do better going forward.”
