Ohio music store owner faces backlash for turning away Trump supporters

The owner of an Ohio music shop is facing backlash after he posted a sign asking Trump supporters to shop elsewhere because he’d rather “starve and close the store” than accept their money.

The sign, posted to the front door of the store in the Cleveland suburb of Willoughby, asked for Trump “sympathizers” to go elsewhere, Cleveland 19 reported Tuesday.

“I am truly sorry, however I feel unclean and dirty accepting money from you,” the sign read. “Please, politely shop somewhere else.”

{mosads}“Sorry, I would rather starve and close the store than participate in wrong-doing. Many blessings to you. I hope you understand.” 

The same message was posted on the store’s Facebook page, which has since been taken down as of Wednesday afternoon.

The owner, identified by the outlet only by his first name, Joe, said he supports the president but not his policies.

“I did not do this for attention … I have posted things before about President Trump, so I didn’t expect this response,” Joe said.

The store has been flooded with phone calls both supporting Joe’s decision and criticizing it.

“When I call because you posted something stupid and public, that’s not a crime,” one caller said. “But good luck, pal.”

Another called to congratulate Joe for having “principles.”

The outlet noted that the Willoughby Police Department has been notified about threats the owner has received over the policy. 

The shop, which opened in 2004, sells instruments and offers music lessons.

The owner told Cleveland 19 that a sick friend told him life was too short for heated political debates.