Most women who love going to the gym know the one downside of getting a workout in – the stress of someone making us uncomfortable. Whether it’s cat-calling, inappropriate gestures, or being hit on in the middle of a session, most have experienced one of the above in one way or another.
However, for a female gym member in Cape Town, discomfort turned to a violation that was taken to the next level.
Her privacy was intruded on after the co-owner of a Cape Town gym reportedly filmed her taking a shower.
The shocking incident has left the close-knit gym community shaken as the coach and co-owner (who cannot be named) is a respected trainer “which has attracted professional athletes”, per Times Live.
The incident reportedly took place two weeks ago with the member noticing a cellphone pointed toward her in a bathroom cubicle. She had initially believed someone had left their phone in the bathroom accidentally, but soon realised it had been recording her and to who the phone belonged.
“There’s so much respect for this man and everyone’s really shocked. This is devastating and I feel disgusted,” one female member reportedly confessed.
According to the publication, the “trusted” coach issued an apology to gym members stating: “It is with deep shame and regret that I confess to you I violated the privacy of a person, who is not only a member … but also a friend who trusted me implicitly.”
However, the alleged victim addressed the incident and the “hollow” apology and said: “I am angered that the two owners have abandoned their team and provided no support or remorse for what happened.”
The other co-owner is believed to have failed in commenting on the matter.
“It goes way beyond an invasion of privacy, it’s sexual assault. I pray that these videos have not been shared with others. How many are there? Who else did he film? I feel ill thinking what he used them for,” the victim went on to say.
The incident has sparked a number of members cancelling their gym memberships with many stating they are refusing to support the gym, as per The South African.
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