Donkey of the Day: Woman Banned from Every Walmart in the U.S. After Repeated Shoplifting

Podcast: Donkey of the Day, The Breakfast Club – Power 105.1 FM (WWPR-FM)
Host: Charlamagne Tha God, Angela Yee
Date: February 21, 2025

Overview

In this episode of "Donkey of the Day," Charlamagne Tha God highlights the story of Ashley Cross, a 37-year-old woman from Memphis, Tennessee, who has been banned from every Walmart location in the United States due to repeated shoplifting. The episode dives into the details of her most recent arrest, the economic context behind rising shoplifting incidents, and reflects on the societal pressures that may drive individuals to such actions, using a signature blend of humor and social commentary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Story of Ashley Cross (02:26 – 04:33)

• Angela Yee introduces Ashley Cross as the subject, noting her Memphis origins and status as a repeat shoplifter.
• Charlamagne provides a nostalgic reflection on the importance of Walmart in rural America, humorously recalling his own upbringing and setting the tone.
• The key details from the news:
  • Ashley was caught shoplifting from a Walmart on Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis.
  • She is on Walmart’s "authorization of agency" list—a real registry that bans individuals from entering any Walmart in the country.
  • Incident specifics: Ashley used a device to scan all items at self-checkout for $1 each, including 11 packs of ramen noodles, women’s boots, jeans, and a t-shirt (totaling $137.34).
  • Ashley’s bail is set at $7,500; her accomplice received a lighter penalty.

Quote:
“Ashley Cross, charged with criminal trespass and theft of merchandise, is according to the police report a well-known shoplifter at this Walmart... So well known to Walmart that Cross is on an authorization of agency list, meaning she’s banned from any Walmart location in the United States.” (News Reporter, 03:59)

2. Humorous and Honest Reflections on Shoplifting (04:45 – 06:30)

• Angela Yee openly discusses her younger self’s history with shoplifting, adding humor but also a note of personal growth.
• She highlights the creativity of Ashley’s method and observes the changing face of theft in the age of self-checkout.

Quote:
"I stand a creative thief. Okay, y'all still stealing like Flintstones; Ashley out here like a Jetson with it.”
(Angela Yee, 05:16)

• Both hosts riff on the logic and desperation that might lead someone to repeatedly risk shoplifting for basic necessities.

3. Societal and Economic Context (05:55 – 07:34)

• Charlamagne provides context about inflation and economic frustration leading to increased thefts at big box stores, especially essential goods.
• He underscores the challenges facing ordinary Americans—and predicts the problem may worsen as economic pressures persist.

Quote:
“In America... there's going to be a lot more of this. Why? Because during America’s inflation crisis, Walmart was the spot... And if people keep losing their jobs, they will be broker... Sometimes one of those things is shoplifting.”
(Charlamagne Tha God, 06:16)

• However, he is careful not to excuse the behavior but rather tries to explain the mounting socio-economic pressures.

4. Consequences, Ban, and Donkey of the Day Award (07:34 – 07:45)

• Ashley is given "Donkey of the Day" for her persistent infractions and final achievement: being banned by every Walmart in America.

Quote:
“Some Donkey of the Days just sell themselves. Please give Ashley Cross the sweet sounds of the Hamiltones. You are the Donkey of the Day.”
(Charlamagne Tha God, 07:28)

5. Lighthearted Banter and Afterthoughts (07:45 – 08:36)

• Angela Yee notes there’s little sympathy for a repeat offender and wonders why Ashley didn’t "switch it up" rather than keep returning.
• Charlamagne hypothesizes about the snowball effect of early offenses that may damage job prospects, perhaps contributing to the cycle.
• The hosts riff on the psychological “wiggle” of justifying petty thefts, providing humor and relatability.

Memorable Exchange:
“You’re so lucky you were stealing when your face was two different colors because they wouldn’t have recognized you from either side.”
(Charlamagne Tha God to Angela Yee, 08:31)
“That is very true. If I’m on camera in 2016, that’s not me. That’s not true. Okay. That is not me. All right. Not the same person.”
(Angela Yee, 08:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Walmart’s reach and childhood nostalgia:
  “When you grow up in the country like I did... the 24 hour Walmart is everything.” (Charlamagne Tha God, 02:34)

• On the escalation of shoplifting and creative tactics:
  “She was using a barcode from an old watch battery to scan all her items for just $1 at self checkout.” (Angela Yee, 05:12)

• On societal pressure and inevitability:
  “I’m not making excuses for Ashley. I’m just telling America what the inevitable is when you don’t take care of the least of us.” (Charlamagne Tha God, 06:56)

• Joking about being on security footage:
  “If I’m on camera in 2016, that’s not me... Not the same person.” (Angela Yee, 08:36)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:26 – Angela introduces Ashley Cross and Walmart context
• 03:59 – News report on Ashley’s arrest and national ban
• 04:45 – Angela’s reflections on past shoplifting
• 05:55 – Discussion of economic climate and rising theft
• 07:34 – Donkey of the Day award and Hamiltones song
• 07:45 – Banter on repeat offenses, consequences, and job prospects

Tone & Style

The episode maintains the Breakfast Club’s signature tone: irreverent, humorous, and sharp, while also weaving in thoughtful observations about economic hardship, recidivism, and the “inevitable” rise in survival-based crime. Charlamagne and Angela keep the conversation lively and relatable, mixing personal anecdotes with biting commentary.

This summary captures the key themes, discussions, and memorable quotes from the episode, providing a comprehensive guide for listeners new or returning to the "Donkey of the Day" segment.