07 July 2020

Popstar Jess Glynne claims she was discriminated against after being denied entry to London’s Sexy Fish restaurant

British singer Jess Glynne has claimed she was discriminated against after a London restaurant turned her away based on her casual attire.

The 30 year-old was denied entry to London’s Asian restaurant Sexy Fish and has called the staff ‘rude and embarrassing’.

She expressed her anger on Instagram, writing: "Dear @SexyFishLondon, I turned up to your restaurant looking like this and you looked me and my friend up and down and said no you can't come in and your restaurant was EMPTY.

"I then went to @amazonicolondon who greeted me and my friend with pure joy and we had a banging meal with wicked service.

"@sexyfishlondon please check yourself if this is how you treat people cause it's rude, off putting, embarrassing and most definitely not inviting. We were made to wait and 2 members of staff came to look at us and make a decision based on our appearance.

“I think the attitude of your staff needs to change as that was pure discrimination. Thanks and bye.”

The Sexy Fish website lists the dress code and specifically tells guests 'do not wear sportswear, beachwear, ripped jeans, flip flops, sliders or workout trainers (smarter, fashion trainers may be permitted)'.

As a result she has faced criticism online, with one user saying: "The restaurant does have a very clear dress policy in place which is also displayed on the website.

"Rather than shaming them on social media, especially when they are just getting back on their feet, isn’t cool. 

"Maybe try contacting the company or the management team to voice your concern so they can review and improve with how to deal with this situation when it no doubt rises again. The people who were working are just doing their job...they don’t set the policy...”

Another added: "Jess, being turned down from being served at a restaurant for wearing a hoodie, jeans, and trainers isn't discrimination."

And a third said: "I follow because I like you BUT if you think you're above a dress code because of who you are, then I'd be asking myself 'who have I become'? Sorry. Hopefully your meal was nice where you went."

Finally, another disgruntled follower added: "If anyone asks what privilege is, I’m just going to point them to Jess Glynne complaining she’s been discriminated against because she can’t wear a hoodie while eating £300 sushi in Mayfair."

Despite the criticism, rapper Professor Green made a dig at the restaurant, by saying: "Can’t lie, you didn’t miss out on anything food wise."

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