Zendaya Held at Gunpoint During Shocking Parking Lot Incident in Michigan: Video Sparks National Outrage

Orion Township, Michigan – In a disturbing incident that has quickly ignited a firestorm of controversy across social media, Emmy-winning actress Zendaya was held at gunpoint by a white woman during a heated confrontation outside a Michigan restaurant. The entire episode, captured on a bystander’s cell phone, has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed urgent discussions about race relations, gun violence, and public safety in the United States.

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A Routine Outing Turns Traumatic

According to witnesses and video evidence, the incident unfolded late Thursday afternoon as Zendaya, 27, was leaving a popular local restaurant with a family member. While walking through the parking lot, Zendaya reportedly brushed shoulders with 32-year-old Gillian Woostenberg, who was also exiting the restaurant with her husband and carrying bags of food.

What began as a minor physical encounter quickly escalated. “She came out and started yelling at me,” Zendaya later told reporters. “I just held my hand up and said, ‘Please, just walk away. Let’s not make this into something bigger.’”

Despite Zendaya’s attempt to defuse the situation, tensions rose. Woostenberg claimed she felt threatened by Zendaya and her family member, accusing them of calling her racist and ignorant. Eyewitnesses say the exchange became increasingly heated, with both parties raising their voices as other customers looked on in shock.

Gun Drawn, Cameras Rolling

As the argument continued, Woostenberg and her husband hurried to their minivan. Zendaya and her relative, still shaken by the confrontation, attempted to leave the scene as well. According to the video, as Woostenberg tried to drive away, Zendaya’s relative accidentally tapped the back window of the minivan, further escalating the tension.

Suddenly, Woostenberg emerged from the vehicle, visibly agitated. She was seen loading a round into the chamber of her legally registered handgun and pointing it directly at Zendaya and her family member. The cell phone footage clearly captures Zendaya, hands raised, visibly frightened and pleading for calm.

“I was absolutely terrified,” Zendaya said in a statement released through her publicist. “I never imagined I would ever find myself in a situation where someone would point a gun at me, especially over something so trivial. It was a moment I’ll never forget.”

Legal Fallout and Public Reaction

After the confrontation, Woostenberg got back into her minivan and left the scene with her husband. However, the viral video quickly caught the attention of local authorities and the public. Both Gillian Woostenberg and her husband Eric have since been charged with felonious assault.

Zendaya’s attorney has called the actions of Woostenberg “outrageous and inexcusable,” arguing that the incident is a clear example of how racial bias and fear can spiral into violence. “This is not just about Zendaya,” the attorney said. “It’s about the safety and dignity of every person who has ever been unfairly targeted because of the color of their skin.”

Woostenberg, however, maintains that she is not racist and insists she acted only out of fear for her life. Her attorney has countered by accusing Zendaya’s family member of violating Michigan’s ethnic intimidation statute, suggesting that the situation is more complicated than it appears.

A Broader Conversation

The incident has sparked national headlines, with activists and celebrities alike weighing in on social media. Many have expressed outrage that a simple misunderstanding could escalate to the point where a firearm was drawn, especially against a high-profile Black woman like Zendaya.

Civil rights groups are calling for a thorough investigation, while others are demanding changes to Michigan’s gun laws and better training for de-escalation in public spaces.

As the legal process unfolds, Zendaya has thanked her fans for their support and urged everyone to “stay safe, stay calm, and always choose kindness over conflict.”

The case is ongoing, and both sides are expected to appear in court later this month.