In a viral TikTok video that has garnered over 1.4 million views, Ella Halikas and Alexa Jay, both prominent plus-size models and social media influencers, made shocking allegations of discrimination after they were denied entry to The Highlight Room, a renowned club in Hollywood.
Plus-Size Influencers
In a viral TikTok video that has garnered over 1.4 million views, Ella Halikas and Alexa Jay, both prominent plus-size models and social media influencers, made shocking allegations of discrimination after they were denied entry to The Highlight Room, a renowned club in Hollywood.
The incident unfolded as Alexa arrived at the club for her friend’s birthday celebration and joined a group of about 15 guests waiting in line.
However, as the promoter began allowing the other girls in, Alexa’s turn was abruptly halted when the bouncer placed the rope in front of her, scanning her up and down with a disdainful gaze before uttering the words, “Yeah, not tonight,” as if her size was the determining factor.
Blatant Discrimination
Despite being a part of the group that was being granted entry, Alexa’s pleas fell on deaf ears as the bouncer seemingly reaffirmed his discriminatory stance.
Expressing her disbelief and frustration, Alexa shared in the TikTok video, “At that point, it was extremely apparent what was going on and that I was being discriminated against because of the size of my body.”
Ella, who was also present, attempted to intervene by swapping places with Alexa at the front of the line, hoping to challenge the bouncer’s unfair decision. However, they were met with the same dismissive treatment, as the bouncer repeated the infamous phrase, “not tonight,” after another demeaning scan of Ella’s body.
Turning a Blind Eye
Adding insult to injury, the models claimed that another staff member witnessed the exchange but chose not to intervene, disregarding their pleas for fairness and respect.
Reflecting on the dehumanizing experience, Ella expressed her disappointment, stating, “A security guard was there and did not help. He was like, ‘Oh, that’s not really my thing.'”
The incident left both Ella and Alexa feeling invisible and disrespected, echoing the anguish and humiliation that accompanies any form of discrimination. Determined to take a stand, they vowed not to let this injustice go unnoticed or unaddressed.
Company Responds
In response to the uproar caused by the TikTok video, a spokesperson for Tao Group Hospitality, the company that owns The Highlight Room, stated that they were aware of Ella and Alexa’s experience and were actively engaging with them to further discuss the incident.
The spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to providing an inclusive environment, stating, “Our company does not tolerate discrimination of any kind,” while acknowledging the importance of feedback in improving the overall guest experience.
A Wave of Outrage
The incident involving Ella Halikas and Alexa Jay serves as a stark reminder that size discrimination continues to persist, even in supposedly progressive and inclusive spaces. Their courageous decision to share their ordeal on social media has ignited a wave of outrage and demands for change.
As discussions surrounding body positivity and inclusivity gain momentum, this incident serves as a call to action for clubs and establishments to prioritize equal treatment and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their size, are afforded the same opportunities and respect.
The post Too Fat: Plus-Size Influencers Denied Entry to a Hollywood Club Claim Discrimination first appeared on Wealthy Living.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / staras. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
Source: TikTok