‘Christian’ server who said patrons wouldn’t ‘tip [terrorists]’ admits he lied about entire story

Khalil Cavil, the 20-year-old restaurant server at an Odessa, Texas, restaurant who said that bigoted patrons refused to "tip [terrorists]," has admitted that he fabricated the entire story.

Cavil shared his experience on Facebook last week, touting his Christianity as the reason that he decided to let go of the hatred surrounding the alleged incident.

What's the background?

Last week, Cavil told KPEJ-TV that he was serving patrons at the restaurant, and discovered that they hadn't tipped him on a $108.73 check, writing that they "don't tip [terrorists]."

Cavil alleged that the patrons circled his first name, Khalil, for reference.

Cavil's Facebook update professing his Christianity, which also detailed the alleged experience, has since been deleted.

In the post, Cavil shared a photo of the receipt, and wrote, “Last night at work I received this note from one of my tables. At the moment I didn’t know what to think nor what to say, I was sick to my stomach.

“I share this because I want people to understand that this racism, and this hatred still exists,” Cavil added. “Although, this is nothing new, it is still something that will test your faith. All day I’ve had to remind myself that Jesus died for these people too. I have decided to let this encourage me, and fuel me to change the world the only way I know how.”

He concluded, “So to all the haters out there, keep [talking], [you’re] only helping me step into my destiny!”

As a result of Cavil's claims, the restaurant's management banned the patrons from returning to the restaurant.

Company COO Terry Turney told the Odessa American, “We stand by and support our employee. Racism of any form is unacceptable and we have banned this customer from returning to our establishment.”

What's happening now?

In a follow-up statement to the Odessa American, which was published on Monday, Cavil admitted that he made up the story and had written the bigoted message himself.

"I did write it," Cavil said, but did not explain his reasoning behind doing such a thing. "I don't have an explanation. I made a mistake. There is no excuse for what I did."

The outlet also reported that Cavil had apologized to a reporter, because "I did a lie to you."

Cavil reportedly called into the outlet after Turney issued a news release revealing that Cavil was behind the hoax.

In a statement, Turney said, “After further investigation, we have learned that our employee fabricated the entire story. The customer has been contacted and invited back to our restaurant to dine on us. Racism of any form is intolerable, and we will always act swiftly should it occur in any of our establishments. Falsely accusing someone of racism is equaling disturbing.”

What about Cavil?

Cavil is no longer employed at the restaurant, according to the report.

According to the outlet, many people on Facebook who were touched by Cavil's story offered money to him in order to attend college this fall in Dallas. Cavil said that he has every intention to return the money, which reportedly totaled around $1,000.

“All money is being processed and being return[ed],” Cavil explained. “Most all of it has been returned.”

He added, “I’m sorry. I deeply made a huge, big mistake. And I’m in the process of getting the help that I need.”