An Ikea executive says after an extensive investigation, the company can say without a doubt that a highly publicized confrontation with a mother reportedly breastfeeding never happened.
Brea Rehder had previously told CTV that during a visit to Ikea an employee had confronted her about breastfeeding. “She came over to me, and asked what my issue was and I was nursing Sloan because she was fussy. She said when you’re done being disgusting, go to the bathroom, you’re holding up the line.”
Ikea apologized to Rehder and then launched an internal investigation.
Madeleine Löwenborg-Frick, Corporate Communications and Public Relations Manager, released this statement to CTV, “Our investigation has revealed that the customer was not in the store at the time and location she claims the incident occurred. However, we do have surveillance footage of the customer shopping at the Ottawa store much later that day. She was at the store between 6:47 p.m. and 8:40 p.m., but there is no evidence of the interaction she has described. In fact, at no time does she breast feed her child during her shopping trip and her infant is not with her when she goes through the cash lane. The infant in question is sitting in a high chair in the Bistro with a member of her party while Ms. Rehder goes through the cash lanes. We have carefully reviewed security footage and interviewed our co-workers who were working at the time and are not able to corroborate any element of her account. It is apparent that the complaint is false. IKEA is deeply concerned about these false allegations and the impact that they can have on our brand.”
CTV requested access to the surveillance video but Ikea will not release its security footage. She also said there had been no legal action by Rehder against Ikea.
Meantime, Brea Rehder told CTV in a Facebook message, "...I have absolutely nothing to gain from falsifying anything. In fact, Ikea sent my son a 'care package', and before it was even sent, I requested it be returned or donated. I never wanted compensation.”
Löwenborg-Frick says Ikea never said the baby was in a carriage. She told CTV the company is “positive” the confrontation did not happen. She says she left a message for Rehder Saturday morning.
