It’s heartbreaking that we’re even having a conversation like this in 2021, but it appears some people just refuse to accept the fact that times are changing. The body positive movement is here to stay, allowing men and women who don’t fit the traditional “supermodel” mold to feel comfortable confident in themselves.
Still, there is fat-phobia everywhere we turn, and this heartbreaking story from one body positive influencer is gaining global attention.
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Fallon Melillo, a 27-year-old body positivity advocate is going viral after sharing her experience of being denied entrance onto a Miami party bus because of her size.
In her now-viral video, Fallon explained that on July 31, she and her friends decided to go to a pool party at Daer, a club hosted by the Hard Rock Hotel.
In an effort to get the party started early, her group purchased tickets through Eventbrite to board the Spring Break Miami Party Service Bus for transportation to and from the club.
Seems simple enough, right?
While reviewing the party bus page the night before, Fallon noticed a “disclaimer” about “big girls” wishing to attend the party at Daer.
“Sorry, no big girls for this party!” the page read. “The doorman is very strict on appearance. If you have had problems getting into exclusive clubs before, then this is not for you!”
The statement finished: “Please don’t waste your time nor ours thinking that we can get you inside if you do not meet the qualifications.”
The discriminatory message prompted Fallon to call the hotel, who assured her they don’t discriminate patrons based on their weight.
Despite the club’s rules, the bus company (a third party) was quick to refuse Fallon entrance onto the party bus upon arrival.
“Being turned away in front of other people because of how I look and my size was absolutely humiliating,” Fallon told BuzzFeed .
“I was embarrassed and shocked, to say the least. Even though I know I am beautiful on the inside and out, this moment made me feel helpless.”
“This is what every plus-size person fears — being turned away from an event because of how we look,” she added.
Fallon also made an emotional Instagram post in the days following her viral video.
“This service discriminates against plus size women specifically. Many other clubs and businesses in Miami and surrounding areas do as well. They would not allow any curvier, full figured women on their party bus which wasn’t disclosed by the promoter who we got tickets from,” she wrote.
“I am plus size. I am confident. But this moment I felt embarrassed being denied access and turned away at the door to get on a bus due to my size.”
“The unrealistic body image in today’s society that people must attain is disgusting and damaging to young girls and women. The average size of a woman in society is a size 16,” she added.
“I saw an eventbrite posting of this party bus service that explicitly said, ‘no bigger girls.’ What is bigger? That is so subjective!” she continued.
“I have used my tiktok platform to speak out against the fatphobic mistreatment and judgement of plus size people in society. Not only is this a bad business model because they will lose money, but it shows how materialistic and judgemental people are in society.”
Needless to say, the shocking story has gained international attention, with many people calling for an end to weight discrimination.
The party bus’s Eventbrite page has since been taken down. In its place is a bus service using the event title “Open Bar Party + DAER Pool Party (EDM – Electronic Music) A model look is encouraged.”
None of the companies involved have responded to the controversy.
What do you make of the situation? Let us know in the comments below!