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Controversy Erupts Over Diner Owner Who Yelled At 2-Year-Old

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A social media firestorm erupted at a diner in Maine and has spread across the web.

It involves a toddler who couldn't stop crying and a restaurant owner who couldn't take it anymore.

Darla Neugebaur is the outspoken owner and chief cook at Marcy's Diner.

She flipped her lid after listening to a 2-year-old cry for 40 minutes.

"I turned around, slammed both hands on the counter and then pointed at the child and said, "This has got to stop!"  Oh and then the mother screamed at me because I was yelling at her child. You know what lady, you should have taken the kid outside," Neugebaur said.

The parents were so upset they posted a complaint on the diner's Facebook page.

It read:

"I had the worst experience at this establishment. The owner is an absolute lunatic and screamed in the face of my almost 2-year-child because she was crying. Who in their right mind would behave like this unless you are deranged?"

Two and a half million people commented and shared the post.

Despite many negative comments, Neugebaur said she'd do it again. She said the child stopped screaming and it made the other customers and staff very happy.

WCCO Viewers Respond

Our viewers responded to this story in full force. Among the comments we received both below and through social media:

"Not condoning the owners actions at all, but seriously what parent lets their child cry for 40 minutes? I get anxiety in public after my son cries for a few minutes." -- Tracy B

"As a mother of 3, I agree with the diner owner. Would I be upset if someone yelled at my 2 year old? Yes, but I would never have let it get that far. Apparently the parents need to take a class on common courtesy. Just because they can tolerate or ignore the crying doesn't mean everyone else can." -- Amy S.J.

"He's 2 for goodness sake, no need to yell at the child, yell at the parents! My kids would never have been left to make a scene in a public place for 40 minutes that is ridiculous and rude to the other patrons." -- Tami V

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