In Bay Minette, Alabama, a one-star Google review posted during a new ice cream shop’s grand opening spiraled into a parking lot confrontation, viral video, and criminal charges. The case has sparked conversations about online reviews and when business owners’ frustrations cross into illegal territory.
The Local Scoop, owned by married couple Malary White Goldman and Ryan Oliver Goldman, opened in downtown Bay Minette in March 2026. Customer Daniel Smit, a DoorDash driver who regularly leaves reviews, visited during the grand opening. He posted a one-star review criticizing high prices (calling them a “rip off” for families), poor service, an incorrect order, and the store’s setup and decorations.
Smit described it as honest feedback.
“I just didn’t have a good experience so I wrote a bad review,”
He told local reporters.
About three months later, on June 7, 2026, Malary Goldman confronted Smit in a McDonald’s parking lot. According to Smit, the encounter began after they spotted each other while he was making deliveries. They agreed to meet to discuss the review.
Smit recorded roughly 15 minutes of the heated exchange. In the video, Malary Goldman expressed deep frustration, saying,
“I’m mad because I busted my ass at something, and you think you’re going to run it into the ground. You shouldn’t though. It would be in your best interest not to. Do you understand?”
Smit says Goldman spoke to him in a way that felt like an insult, then warned he’d face consequences. At one point, hands made contact with his chest more than once. A moment after that, his phone was knocked free and crushed underfoot, leaving it broken. Later came Ryan Goldman, stepping into the scene while words were still flying. His comment about the situation suggested someone ought to have struck Smit across the face.
From Smit’s version of events, along with video clips, what witnesses said, and documents held by law enforcement, the facts about injuries and threats emerged. How those involved got back in touch prior to that encounter remains unclear, since officials haven’t shared a clear timeline.
Bay Minette police reviewed the video and issued warrants. On June 11, 2026, both owners were arrested. Malary Goldman faces misdemeanor charges of harassment and criminal mischief (tied to the alleged phone damage). Ryan Goldman faces a harassment charge. Both were released from Baldwin County Jail shortly after.
Malary Goldman later expressed embarrassment. She viewed the review as an attack on her new business after significant hard work and issued an apology.
Smit also voiced regret over the escalation.
“So, I apologize to Miss Goldman if I made her mad or whatever. Eventually, life moves forward for everyone involved,”
He mentioned to WKRG. His intention remains to keep sharing truthful opinions online. Legal action crossed his mind, yet stepping back seems more likely now.
Still operating despite setbacks, the shop lost one vendor after a clip went viral. Attention surged when people shared it online, sparking coverage across news outlets along with hostile messages aimed at those who run the place.
