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Fitness First probes abuse claim |
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Written by Peter Hackney
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Saturday, 04 July 2009 11:34 |
Gym giant Fitness First says it is investigating appropriate courses of action after an alleged homophobic assault at the company’s health club in Richmond.
The alleged victim, Kevin – not his real name – told MCV he was subjected to homophobic comments and threats of violence at the club on Wednesday by another man who accused him of ‘perving’.
“I was having a shower in the change rooms and opened my door very briefly to check on my towel, which was hanging outside,” he said.
“At the same time, the guy in the cubicle across from me had finished his shower and opened his door ... Our eyes crossed paths for a couple of seconds, and he immediately got this nasty look on his face and screamed, ‘What the fuck are you looking at?’ I was stunned and shut my door straight away.
“I then tried to finish my shower as fast as possible so I could get out of there. Next thing I know, the guy is pushing my door open and threatening me.”
Kevin said that when he reported the incident to staff, the receptionist insisted that he must have made a pass at the aggressor, which he strenuously denied.
He said he would not be returning to the gym for fear of his safety.
Although Kevin submitted a complaint with Fitness First and asked that the matter be investigated by management, he said he had yet to hear back.
However, Andy Mallinson, National Marketing Director of Fitness First, told MCV the gym chain would investigate.
“If a member has verbally or physically abused another member, we will investigate the incident and, if necessary, take appropriate action,” he said.
Mallinson said Fitness First would be making a full statement next week after further investigations.
The incident comes several months after Fitness First Richmond posted signs in the changing rooms warning patrons against engaging in "indecent behaviour".
As reported in MCV #436, May 14, the gym put up signs stating: "Indecent behaviour in the change rooms will result in cancellation of membership and banning at all Fitness First Health Clubs. If any member is witness to this type of behaviour, please report it to reception immediately."
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