Los Angeles, California’s Denise Olin: ‘I’m not a racist just stupid’

Originally from Ireland, Denise Olin, 59, is a resident of Sawtelle Japantown, Los Angeles, California, United States. She has broken her silence since a video of her racist remarks went viral.

Olin as a dog named Wilson. She was filmed breaking the Los Angeles law that requires dogs to be on a leash on common areas of private property and public property.

On February 7, 2024, Olin refused to leash her dog while on Butler Avenue in Los Angeles where a Korean-American female professional dog walker confronted her about it. On February 24, 2024, the Asian dog walker used her cellphone to film the Irish woman who was with her unleashed dog on the same avenue.

“Let me educate you”, the Asian dog walker said and explained that it is illegal to have an unleashed dog in public in California. In response, Olin said, “Let me educate you. Go back to China.”

Later, Olin asked if the Asian dog walker understands English. A video of the encounter was first shared on TikTok and it quickly went viral also on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

“I’m devastated and receiving so many death threats”, Olin told the Los Angeles Times on February 29, 2024. “The police are involved. I’m so sorry for what I said. I reacted badly.”

“It was our second altercation and she had said similar stuff to me,” Olin continued. “I had not filmed it. There was no excuse for what I said. I’m so remorseful. I’m not a racist just stupid.”