The owners of an Alabama ice cream shop face criminal charges after authorities say they confronted a customer over a negative online review, leading to an encounter that went viral across social media. The incident occurred in Bay Minette, in Baldwin County, in southwest Alabama.
At the center of the controversy is The Local Scoop, an ice cream shop that opened earlier this year in downtown Bay Minette. According to local reports and law enforcement records, customer Daniel Smit left a one-star review after visiting the shop during its grand opening in March.
Months later, on June 7, 2026, Smit said he encountered shop owner Malary White Goldman while making deliveries as a DoorDash driver in Bay Minette. According to Smit and local media reports, Goldman confronted him about the negative review and asked to meet to discuss it.
A heated argument, and allegations of a smashed cell phone
Smit reportedly agreed to meet in a nearby parking lot. The roughly 15-minute video shows a heated exchange between Smit and Goldman. During the confrontation, Goldman repeatedly criticized Smit for his review and accused him of harming her business.
The footage also shows verbal insults exchanged between the two. Later in the video, Goldman’s husband, Ryan Oliver Goldman, arrives and joins the argument.
Smit alleged that the confrontation turned physical when Goldman knocked his phone to the ground. He told local media that the device suffered damage after it fell.
The video appears to show the phone dropping during the altercation. Authorities have not publicly released additional evidence describing the extent of the damage.
Bay Minette police issued arrest warrants after reviewing the incident, according to local reporting. Per WEAR-TV, authorities charged Malary with harassment and criminal mischief. Ryan was charged with harassment.
Court records cited by local outlets indicate both were arrested and later released from custody. Authorities have not publicly announced whether additional charges will follow.
The shop’s primary ice cream supplier contacted Smit directly to announce they were immediately cutting ties with The Local Scoop. The viral video sparked massive local backlash. Reports say the ice cream shop remains open.
Goldman issued a public apology to local outlet WKRG, saying she was embarrassed by her behavior and regretted how she handled the situation. Smit later stated on social media that he no longer wished to pursue the matter further, according to multiple reports.
Published: Jun 16, 2026 04:05 pm