He was unsuccessful in all three pursuits of compensation.
A German tourist faced disappointment after disappointment on his trip to New York in 2024. So much so that he filed three lawsuits seeking $20 million in compensation from a taco chain, Walmart, and the New York Police Department for discrimination and distress. However, all his attempts to get damages were thwarted after judges dismissed the lawsuits.
It’s a wild story of a disgruntled tourist with frivolous lawsuits. Faycal Manz, from southern Germany, came to New York in 2024 to see the U.S. Open, a famous tennis event and one of the four Grand Slams. He booked a room in Times Square, the hub of tourist activity. His trip, however, did not turn out as he had hoped.
A part-time student and engineer, Manz filed three lawsuits after his six-day trip, all without any legal representation.
The First Lawsuit: Tacos
The first incident occurred when he ordered three tacos from Los Tacos No. 1 in Times Square. He added a serving of salsa to the tacos, and it did not turn out well. In the court filing, he said his mouth and tongue burned, his heart rate increased, and he experienced tongue blisters. In his hotel room, he self-soothed with medication for acid reflux and diarrhea. He admitted to having gastrointestinal issues and avoiding spicy food. He sued Los Tacos No. 1—which has multiple branches in New York—for $100,000, alleging that the taco spot doesn’t warn customers about its spice levels.
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Los Tacos No. 1 said in court documents that his discomfort was caused by his “own culpable conduct, carelessness, recklessness, and negligence.”
U.S. District Judge Dale Ho agreed. In mid-February, he dismissed the lawsuit because Manz “failed to state a claim that Los Tacos negligently served excessively spicy salsa.” Ho also acknowledged that Manz could have easily discovered that the tacos were spicy with a simple Google search. The judge wrote, “Manz admits that he never asked anyone, whether a customer or a Los Tacos employee, about the contents of the salsa bar before putting a large amount on each of his tacos.” The judge also said that with salsa, spice is often the point.
The Second Lawsuit: Walmart
The second incident, which led to another lawsuit, happened at a Walmart in New Jersey. Manz’s phone failed to connect to the store’s Wi-Fi, which he said caused him emotional distress. He alleged discrimination by Walmart because he needed a U.S. number to access the internet. He demanded $10 million from the retail giant.
This lawsuit was also dismissed after Walmart filed a motion. The judge concurred that with a German phone number, Manz was not protected under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The Third Lawsuit: NYPD
The last case, against the New York Police Department, is equally bizarre. Manz called 911 after witnessing two men assault a homeless person. When police officers arrived, they refused to investigate because the assailants had fled. This dismissal by officers caused Manz insomnia, and he alleged that a doctor diagnosed him with psychosomatic and post-traumatic symptoms.
He sought $10 million from the police department. Not pulling any punches, the police responded to his lawsuit, saying he only had himself to blame. Manz dropped this lawsuit himself this week.
Manz may not have fond memories from the trip, but the stories—and court documents—will make for interesting party conversations for life. Guess New York isn’t for everyone.
Related: United Airlines Hit By Two Shocking Lawsuits From Former Employees