Planet Fitness Confronts Conservative Boycott Threat

Planet Fitness Controversy – Calls for Boycott

Reports of an incident in 2023 involving a man allegedly exposing himself to a 15-year-old in a women’s locker room has led to conservative social media users urging a boycott of Planet Fitness.

The Incident

In September 2023 in Monroe, Georgia, a 15-year-old girl reported that a naked man had exposed himself to her in a women’s locker room at Planet Fitness, according to Monroe Police Department. Jakorbie Dixon, a 25-year-old from Conyers, was subsequently arrested in connection with the incident.

The family of the teenager launched a lawsuit against Planet Fitness shortly after Dixon’s arrest. Attorney Bart Benton who represents the family alleges that the fitness chain was aware of Dixon’s lewd behavior prior to the incident involving the teenager.

Benton stated, “Our early investigation has revealed that Planet Fitness knew and was on notice of this type of behavior from the perpetrator but chose to ignore his prior conduct of exposing himself to females in the women’s locker room because he ‘identified’ as a female.”

Previous Incident

Planet Fitness was already under criticism over a separate incident involving a man inside a women’s locker room in the presence of a child. The controversy began when Planet Fitness decided to cancel the membership of an Alaskan customer who reported a “man in women’s locker room shaving” while a 12-year-old girl was present.

Newsweek had reached out to the Monroe Police Department, Benton, and Planet Fitness seeking comment.

Public Outrage

The right-wing social media account Libs of TikTok posted about the 2023 incident triggering a fresh wave of outrage and criticism over the company’s locker room and gender identity policies.

Planet Fitness maintains it supports diversity and provides an environment “where everyone feels accepted, respected and like they belong.”

Planet Fitness Policy

The fitness company’s non-discrimination policy regarding gender identity and locker room accommodations states: “Members and team members will be treated according to their self-reported gender identity.” The policy addresses locker room usage and says staff and gym members “may use Planet Fitness locker room facilities and programs based on their self-reported gender identity.”

Public Views

The topic “boycott Planet Fitness” was trending on social media for hours on Sunday, with multiple social media users calling for a boycott of the gym chain.

One controversial social media account posted: “They allow men in women’s locker rooms and will terminate your membership if you complain about it!”

Elon Musk joined in the discussion, replying “Doesn’t sound safe for women.”

Despite the call to boycott, some conservative social media users defended their local Planet Fitness establishments.