DONKEY: Woman Banned Every Walmart In The U.S. After Repeated Shoplifting

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – Episode: DONKEY: Woman Banned Every Walmart In The U.S. After Repeated Shoplifting

Release Date: February 21, 2025
Host: Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy, and Bobby Bones
Description: The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!

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Introduction

In this episode of The Breakfast Club, host Charlamagne Tha God alongside DJ Envy and Bobby Bones delves into the story of Ashley Cross, a woman who has been banned from all Walmart stores across the United States due to persistent shoplifting activities. The discussion not only highlights Ashley's actions but also explores broader themes related to economic hardship, mental health, and societal responses to repeated offenses.

Ashley Cross’s Walmart Ban

Charlamagne Tha God opens the conversation by introducing Ashley Cross as the "Donkey of the Day," a title humorously bestowed upon her for her notorious shoplifting spree:

[02:37] Charlamagne Tha God: "Donkey of the day is sponsored by renowned personal injury attorney Michael the Bull. Lamb and soft. Don't be a donkey when you need on your side."

Charlamagne narrates Ashley's actions leading to her nationwide ban:

[03:30] Charlamagne Tha God: "She's not going to be shopping at Walmart and period, no Walmart in the country. None of them ever again."

He details the police report, emphasizing the severity of Ashley’s actions:

[04:24] News Segment: "Ashley Cross, charged with criminal trespass and theft of merchandise, is according to the police report, a well-known shoplifter at this Walmart on Elvis Presley Boulevard in Whitehaven."

Discussion on Shoplifting and Economic Pressures

Charlamagne reflects on his personal history with shoplifting, providing context for understanding Ashley's motives:

[05:10] Charlamagne Tha God: "I used to shoplift up until 2016, okay? That's when I stopped shoplifting. But I didn't feel like I was stealing because nine years ago…"

Bobby Bones interjects, questioning Charlamagne’s continued honesty:

[06:00] Bobby Bones: "Or maybe the first offense put something on her record and she couldn't get the job."

Charlamagne acknowledges the complexity of Ashley’s situation, suggesting that economic hardship may drive individuals to such actions:

[06:19] Charlamagne Tha God: "But I tell you what people will resort to doing. Trying to survive. And trying to survive can look like a number of things. And sometimes one of those things is shoplifting."

Economic Context and Walmart’s Role

The hosts discuss the broader economic issues contributing to Ashley's behavior, including inflation and job loss:

[06:45] Charlamagne Tha God: "During America's inflation crisis, Walmart was the spot. You can get good deals, all types of essentials."

However, Walmart’s recent struggles due to consumer frustration are highlighted:

[07:10] Charlamagne Tha God: "Yesterday, Walmart said things are about to get slow because consumers are growing increasingly frustrated with inflation and they're concerned about President Trump's tariffs."

Charlamagne criticizes corporate decisions and their impact on the workforce:

[07:25] Charlamagne Tha God: "If you are the reason, okay, people are losing their jobs like Elon Musk and Donald Trump are in regards to federal workers and you putting tariffs on items."

Charlamagne’s Perspective on Rehabilitation and Punishment

Charlamagne discusses the effectiveness of punitive measures versus rehabilitative approaches:

[08:11] Charlamagne Tha God: "You only get caught when you look suspicious, you know. Plus, I never really stole anything but magazines… Ashley is clearly a kleptomaniac."

Bobby Bones questions the fairness of Ashley's ban, considering her circumstances:

[08:19] Bobby Bones: "Or maybe the first offense put something on her record and she couldn't get the job."

Charlamagne counters by emphasizing personal responsibility while acknowledging systemic issues:

[08:28] Charlamagne Tha God: "But she stole from there a lot. Why wouldn't you switch it up?"

Conclusion: Reflection on Society’s Handling of Repeat Offenders

The episode wraps up with a reflection on how society handles individuals like Ashley Cross. Charlamagne suggests that without addressing underlying issues such as economic hardship and mental health, punitive measures alone may not be effective:

[09:00] Charlamagne Tha God: "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."

The hosts underscore the need for a more compassionate and comprehensive approach to dealing with habitual offenders, advocating for solutions that go beyond mere punishment.

Key Takeaways

• Ashley Cross's Case: Repeated shoplifting led to a nationwide ban from Walmart, highlighting issues of addiction and economic desperation.
• Economic Pressures: Inflation and job losses are major factors driving individuals toward illegal activities as a means of survival.
• Corporate Responsibility: Companies like Walmart face challenges in balancing profitability with employee welfare, especially during economic downturns.
• Rehabilitation vs. Punishment: The discussion emphasizes the importance of addressing root causes through rehabilitation rather than solely focusing on punitive measures.

Notable Quotes

• Charlamagne Tha God:

  "[05:10] I used to shoplift up until 2016... I didn't feel like I was stealing because nine years ago…"

• Bobby Bones:

  "[08:19] Or maybe the first offense put something on her record and she couldn't get the job."

• Charlamagne Tha God:

  "[09:00] 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."

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This episode of The Breakfast Club provides a comprehensive look into the complexities surrounding repeated shoplifting offenses, the socio-economic factors at play, and the broader implications for both individuals and corporations.

Transcript

[Gabe Lehners]

What would you do if mysterious drones appeared over your hometown? I started asking questions. What do you remember happening on that night of December 16th?

[Unknown]

It actually rotated around our house, looking as if it was peering in each window of our home.

[Gabe Lehners]

I'm Gabe Lehners from Imagine I Heart Podcasts and Leonhurst Entertainment. Listen to Obscurum Invasion of the Drones wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

[John Cameron Mitchell]

This is John Cameron Mitchell and my new fiction podcast series, Cancellation island stars Holly Hunter as Karen, a wellness influencer who launches a rehab for the recently canceled. In the future we will all be canceled for 15 minutes, but don't worry, we'll take you from broke to woke or your money back. Cancellation Island's revolutionary rehab therapies, like Bad touch football, anti racism spincare and mandatory ayahuasca ceremonies are designed to force the council to confront their worst impulses. But everything starts to fall apart when people start disappearing.

[Unknown]

Karen, where have you brought us?

[John Cameron Mitchell]

Cancellation island, where a second chance might just be your last. Listen to Cancellation island on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Bobby Bones]

Calling all Yellowstone fans, let's go to work. Join Bobby Bones on the official Yellowstone Podcast for exclusive cast interviews, behind the scenes insights and a deep dive into the themes that have made Yellowstone a cultural phenomenon. Our family legacy is this ranch and I protector of my life. Listen to the official Yellowstone podcast Now on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unknown]

Some people won't give you the real talk on drugs, but it's time we know the facts. Fentanyl is often laced into illicit drugs and used to make fake versions of prescription pills. You can't see it, taste it or smell it. Suppliers mix fentanyl into their products because it's potent and cheap and the dealer might not even know. Keep yourself and others safe by knowing the real deal on Fentanyl. Get the facts. Go to real deal on fentanyl.com this message is brought to you by the Ad Council.

He gave me Donkey of the Day and I deserve it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

People need to know. Well, you need to tell them.

[Bobby Bones]

I am.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You have the voice.

[Bobby Bones]

Tell them it's time for Donkey of the Day.

[Unknown]

It's a read.

But you're so good at it, you're.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Trying to be a fake ass Charlemagne. There's only one Charlemagne. Damn Charlemagne. Who you give a Dunkie of the day to now? Well, sexy Red Donkey of the day for Friday, February 21st goes to Ashley Cross. Ashley is a 37 year old African American woman from Memphis, Tennessee. Okay, salute to everyone who listens to us on K97 in Memphis. Now I'm sure that you all are aware by now that a lot of companies have rolled back their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. One of those companies is Walmart. Now if you read my first book, Black Privilege, then you know the joy Walmart bought me as a child. Because when you grow up in the country like I did. Salute the monks Corners, South Carolina Dropping the clues bombs for most Corners, South Carolina. When you grow up in the country or rural area, the 24 hour Walmart is everything. Okay. That's where we would go late at night because there was nothing else to do. Yes, the good old days, walking the holy grounds of Walmart. This was way back in the day when the only thing they were rolling back is prices. But a lot of people have called for a boycott of these companies, in particular Target. But Ashley Cross has decided that she is staging a one woman boycott of Walmart. Yes, in fact, Ashley is not going to be shopping at Walmart and period, no Walmart in the country. None of them ever again. Okay, do you have that kind of commitment to your boycott? Can you vow to never shop in an establishment ever again? Or a Scott paper towel being 1068 for 12 rolls? Too great a deal to pass up. Well, if it is, then you can always do what Ashley did. Because it's guaranteed Ashley will never step foot in any Walmart ever again. And I lied. It's not because she's boycotting Walmart. It's actually because Walmart is boycotting her. What do you mean, Uncle Charlotte? Walmart is boycotting her. Well, let's go to News Channel 3 for the report please.

[Unknown]

Ashley Cross, charged with criminal trespass and theft of merchandise, is according to the police report, a well known shoplifter at this Walmart on Elvis Presley Boulevard in Whitehaven. 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. The Elvis Presley Boulevard store is where Cross and another Suspect were arrested February 10th. Cross was seen using a device to scan her items for $1 at a self checkout machine. Ashley Cross remains in jail on a 7, $500 bond. She is due back in court February 19th. The suspect with Cross received a misdemeanor citation for theft of property.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Oh, she already went to court. I wonder what happened. Listen, I used to shoplift up until 2016, okay? That's when I stopped shoplifting. But I didn't, you know, Feel like I was stealing because nine years ago. Yeah, about nine years.

[Unknown]

You had a little money nine years ago. Are you still stealing?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I don't know, but I didn't feel like it was stealing because I didn't try to hide anything. I would walk in and, you know, take what I want and just walk out. You only get caught when you look suspicious, you know. Plus, I never really stole anything but magazines, you know, when I was young, like Black and mild, 12 packs of Bud Light, random stuff like that. But Ashley is clearly a kleptomaniac and she's good because she was using a barcode from an old watch battery to scan all her Items for just $1 to self check out. I stand a creative thief. Okay, y'all still stealing like Flintstones Ashley out here like a Jetson with it. Or maybe this is the normal way to shoplift. Now I don't steal anymore, so I wouldn't know. But Ashley stole 11 packs of ramen Noodles, women's boots, a pair of jeans and a T shirt, all totaling $137.34. Now, this woman was clearly stealing essentials. Okay, These are reasonable things to steal. Ramen noodles, boots, clothes. I understand. In America, I'm going to tell you, you don't want to hear there's going to be a lot more of this. Why? Because during America's inflation crisis, Walmart was the spot. Okay, you can get good deals, all types of essentials. But on yesterday, Walmart said things are about to get slow because consumers are growing increasingly frustrated with inflation and they're concerned about President Trump's tariffs. Basically, folks been broke and if people keep losing their jobs, they will be broker. And if you are the reason, okay, people are losing their jobs like Elon Musk and Donald Trump are in regards to federal workers and you putting tariffs on items. Not only do I not have a job, things are going to be even more expensive. So what am I going to resort to doing? I'll tell you what people will resort to doing. Trying to survive. And trying to survive can look like a number of things. And sometimes one of those things is shoplifting. I'm not making excuses for Ashley. I'm just telling America what the. What the inevitable is when you don't take care of the least of us. Nevertheless, Ashley Cross is on Walmart's authorization of agency list, which prohibits her from entering any Walmart store across the country. I didn't know such a list existed, but Ashley is on it and she is currently. Well, I don't even know if Currently. But she was being held on a 7, 500 bond. Probably still in there. She's probably still in there because if you ain't had $134 to get these items from Walmart, you damn sure ain't got the 7, 500 bond. All the 10 of 750 to get out. But some donkey of the days just sell themselves. Please give Ashley Cross the sweet sounds of the Hamiltones.

[Bobby Bones]

You are the donkey of the day. You are the donkey of the day.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

All right. It's just. You feel bad for now. You don't feel bad for her. She's a repeat offender. She could have got a job.

[Unknown]

Or maybe the first offense put something on her record and she couldn't get the job.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That is true, too. But she stole from there a lot. Why wouldn't you switch it up?

[Unknown]

All right, this is gonna sound bad, but. No. You ever. You ever be in self checkout and be feeling like I'm this. I shouldn't have to pay for this stuff. Like some of this stuff is old to me. Like maybe she felt like that.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

No, I don't. I don't feel that way. I felt like that. And that's what happens when you still wiggle, when you steal. Wiggle. You know what I'm saying? Huh?

[Unknown]

What.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What happened?

[Unknown]

You snorting? Yeah. You 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]

That is true. That is very true. If you. If. If I'm on camera in 2016. That's not me.

[Bobby Bones]

That's not true.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Okay. That is not me. All right. It's not the same person. Donkey of the Day is sponsored by renowned personal injury attorney Michael the Bull. Lamb and soft. Don't be a donkey when you need on your side. If you're ever injured, go to Michael the Bull dot com. That's Michael the Bull dot com. And when you mess with the bull, you get the horns. Wake that ass up early in the morning. The Breakfast Club.

[Gabe Lehners]

What would you do if mysterious drones appeared over your hometown? I started asking questions. What do you remember happening on that night of December 16th?

[Unknown]

It actually rotated around our house, looking as if it was P.E. each window of our home.

[Gabe Lehners]

I'm Gabe Leonards from Imagine I Heart Podcasts and Leonard's Entertainment. Listen to Obscurum Invasion of the Drones wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

[John Cameron Mitchell]

This is John Cameron Mitchell and my new fiction podcast series, Cancellation island stars Holly Hunter as Karen, a wellness influencer who launches a rehab for the recently canceled in the future. We will all be canceled for 15 minutes, but don't worry, we'll take you from broke to woke or your money back. Cancellation Island's revolutionary rehab therapies, like bad touch football, anti racism, spin class, and mandatory ayahuasca ceremonies are designed to force the council to confront their worst impulses. But everything starts to fall apart when people start disappearing.

[Unknown]

Karen, where have you brought us?

[John Cameron Mitchell]

Cancellation island, where a second chance might just be your last. Listen to Cancellation island on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unknown]

Some people won't give you the real talk on drugs, but it's time we know the facts. Fentanyl is often laced into illicit drugs and used to make fake versions of prescription pills. You can't see it, taste it, or smell it. Suppliers mix fentanyl into their products because it's potent and cheap and the dealer might not even know. Keep yourself and others safe by knowing the real deal on fentanyl. Get the facts. Go to realdealonfentanol.com this message is brought to you by the Ad Council.

The OGs of uncensored motherhood are back and badder than ever. I'm Erica. And I'm me. And we're the hosts of the Good Moms Bad Choices Podcast brought to you by the Black Effect Podcast Network every Wednesday. Yeah, we're moms, but not your mommy. Historically, men talk too much and women have quietly listened. And all that stops here. If you like witty women, then this is your tribe. Listen to the Good Moms Bad Choices podcast every Wednesday on the Black Effect podcast network, the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast, or wherever you go to find you'd podcast.