German Tourist Sues NYC Businesses, NYPD for $20M After Disastrous Trip

Faycal Manz claims taco, Walmart, and police encounter ruined his vacation

Mar. 14, 2026 at 6:35pm

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Faycal Manz, a German tourist, filed three lawsuits seeking $20.1 million in damages after a disastrous 6-day trip to New York City in 2024. Manz claimed he suffered numerous harms, including getting sick from a taco, being discriminated against at a Walmart, and experiencing insomnia and PTSD after a police encounter. However, the courts dismissed all of Manz's lawsuits, finding his claims to be unfounded.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges tourists can face when visiting a new city, as well as the potential for frivolous lawsuits that can arise from minor inconveniences. It also raises questions about the line between legitimate grievances and unreasonable legal action, especially when a plaintiff represents themselves without legal counsel.

The details

According to the lawsuits, Manz's troubles began when he took a bite of a taco at a Times Square restaurant and immediately experienced burning in his mouth and tongue, as well as gastrointestinal issues. He later sued the restaurant for $100,000, claiming a "failure to warn" about the spicy salsa. Manz also sued Walmart for $10 million after he was unable to connect his German cellphone to the store's Wi-Fi, claiming discrimination. Finally, he sued the NYPD for another $10 million after officers allegedly refused to take his statement about witnessing an assault. The courts dismissed all three lawsuits, finding Manz's claims to be unfounded.

  • Manz visited New York City in August 2024.
  • The incidents he is suing over occurred between August 25-29, 2024.

The players

Faycal Manz

A German tourist and part-time law student who filed three lawsuits seeking $20.1 million in damages after a disastrous 6-day trip to New York City in 2024.

Los Tacos No. 1

A chain of Mexican restaurants in Manhattan that Manz sued for $100,000 after claiming he got sick from one of their tacos.

Walmart

The retail giant that Manz sued for $10 million after claiming he was discriminated against for being unable to connect his German cellphone to the store's Wi-Fi.

New York Police Department

The police department that Manz sued for $10 million after claiming officers refused to take his statement about witnessing an assault.

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What they’re saying

“The incident caused a big emotional negative impact”

— Faycal Manz

“could have obtained a U.S. mobile number to access Walmart's Wi-Fi services at any time”

— Federal Judge

What’s next

The courts have dismissed all of Manz's lawsuits, finding his claims to be unfounded. It is unclear if he plans to appeal any of the rulings.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential for tourists to face unexpected challenges and inconveniences when visiting a new city, as well as the risks of pursuing frivolous legal action. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining reasonable expectations and avoiding overreacting to minor issues when traveling.