ATLANTA, USA – Isaac Hayes III, son of the late music icon Isaac Hayes, has shared a video of what he describes as an unsettling confrontation with a woman who allegedly harassed him as he entered his upscale gated community in Brookhaven, Atlanta.
The woman, referred to by Hayes as “Christmas Eve Karen,” reportedly made offensive comments, including suggesting he should “be white.”
In a video posted to Instagram, Hayes, a tech entrepreneur and manager of his father’s estate, can be seen calmly responding to the woman’s accusations.
The unidentified woman, dressed in a leopard-print outfit, questions his presence in the neighbourhood.
“You trying to get in? Who are you? I’m on the board,” the woman says, before accusing Hayes of driving recklessly.
“You driving here like a bat out of hell… F— you, it’s all ridiculous, we have dogs, we have people and you don’t even care.”
Hayes responds politely, informing her that he lives in the community. The interaction escalates when the woman appears to say, “Why don’t you be white?”
Hayes’ Response
Hayes recounted the incident on Instagram, writing: “Christmas Eve Karen: I’ve never seen a Karen in the wild. Well tonight I had my first up close encounter with one. I stayed calm, I made no sudden movements and got away as quickly as I could.”
He continued, highlighting the surreal nature of the exchange: “Outside of preventing me from entering my community, cursing at me and telling me I should be ‘White.’ It’s pretty surreal. White Supremacy is crashin’ out all 2025. Be safe.”
View this post on Instagram
The confrontation reportedly occurred at the Cobblestone gated community, a neighbourhood in the affluent Brookhaven area of Atlanta.

Legacy of Isaac Hayes
Isaac Hayes III is the son of music legend Isaac Hayes, who passed away in 2008 at the age of 65.
Hayes Sr. was a pioneering figure in soul music, co-writing hits such as Soul Man and Hold On I’m Coming.
He won an Academy Award in 1972 for Best Original Song with the Theme From Shaft.
Hayes Sr. also gained fame as the voice of Chef on South Park, though his relationship with the show ended after its controversial depiction of Scientology.
Hayes III later clarified in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that his father did not quit the show voluntarily, stating, “Someone quit South Park for him.”
Broader Implications
The incident reflects ongoing societal tensions around race and privilege in the United States.
Hayes’ calm reaction to the confrontation has drawn praise on social media, with many noting the challenges faced by Black Americans even in affluent settings.
The woman’s identity and affiliation with the neighbourhood’s board remain unconfirmed.
Hayes has not indicated whether he intends to pursue any legal or formal actions regarding the encounter.