Chris Rock's mother is to sue a South Carolina restaurant over claims she was the victim of racism by the eatery's staff. Rose Rock and her 21-year-old daughter visited the Cracker Barrel chain's restaurant in April. They allege they were the only blacks in the building and ignored for half an hour before anyone served them. Rose claims she asked the manager about the delay and was told they could have a free meal.

But she complains, "He never called over the waitresses and asked, 'Why did these people sit here for an hour without service?' The only thing he said was we could have a free meal and neither of us wanted to eat."

Cracker Barrel spokeswoman Julie Davis insists the company doesn't tolerate any form of discrimination: "It has always been a violation of our policies and procedures and it is neither condoned nor allowed." She added the restaurant chain was investigating and taking the complaint "very seriously."

Rose contacted the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission immediately after the incident and was told her complaint would be handled, but "nothing ever happened."

The head of the commission, Jesse Washington, insists the complaint was finalized on August 7 and his agency is also investigating. Cracker Barrel has faced a string of lawsuits and a government inquiry in the past over complaints of refusing to serve black customers, discriminating against minority workers and firing gay employees.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)