A simple mistake at a local Sebastian restaurant ignited a firestorm of online controversy. After an American flag was mistakenly flown upside down at the Mo-Bay Grill, social media users quickly mobilized, expressing outrage and calling for a boycott.
While some veterans maintain that the flag should only be inverted in dire emergencies, the general consensus views it as a symbol of protest and a form of free speech.
To shed light on the situation, we reached out to Mo Bay Grill owner Wesley Campbell. He described arriving at work to find damage to the flagpole and encountering a wave of inflammatory social media posts.
“The incident in question regarding the incorrect orientation of the American Flag was a human error,” Campbell told Sebastian Daily.
Campbell said someone was so upset by the mistake that they cut the flagpole’s ropes, stealing the American flag and leaving the Jamaican one on the ground. Mo-Bay proudly displays American and Jamaican flags to celebrate both cultures.
Campbell emphasized that the incident was neither racially motivated nor a political statement.
“We are proud residents of Sebastian. This is a place where we live, work, and have raised a family. We are also proud Americans. We were born in Jamaica,” Campbell said. “Like many of the citizens of Sebastian, our neighbors, and some we regard as friends, know that the Mo-Bay Grill has always been and continues to be a family restaurant. We strive to incorporate diversity, communication, and community.”
Campbell vowed to continue promoting inclusivity and respect and says this incident highlights the importance of constructive dialogue, respect for others, and a commitment to factual information.
Patrons of the Mo-Bay Grill describe Campbell as a sincere, God-fearing man who avoids political discussions. Throughout its history, the restaurant has never taken a political stance.
