A mother of three claims she was thrown out of a Tesco store in Essex by a security guard who feared her outfit would encourage a pervert to undo her tie-back top and leave her exposed. Alixe Galatis visited the branch on June 26 with her children to do a food shop when temperatures hit a record-breaking 37 degrees Celsius.
As it was very hot, the 31-year-old was wearing a black v-neck top that tied at the back. But as she made her way to the Scan as You Shop section, a male security guard approached her and said she could not enter the store because her backless top could be untied by other shoppers and leave her exposed.
Security Guard's Actions
Alixe retrieved a gym sweater from her car and draped it over her back and shoulders, covering the offending tie, and was then permitted inside to complete her shopping. She claims that as she left the store, the security guard shook his head with disdain at her outfit.
Alixe said: "It was just after the school run, I think it peaked around 36, 37 [degrees] or something crazy. The clothes I was wearing I had been in all day, I'd been in other shops and there wasn't an issue until I walked into Tesco, I was with my kids as well."
Mother's Reaction
After leaving the store and lodging a complaint, Alixe says she is concerned about the message the incident sends to other women, particularly her young daughters. She said: "I was just completely shocked. Why should I not be allowed in the shop? If someone ever, God forbid, tried to undress me in Tesco why would that be my fault? It was very 'victim blaming' mentality, it was just crazy."
Alixe claims her eldest daughter, who is nine, is now anxious about what her mum wears when popping to the shops. She said: "My eldest is now more conscious around what I'm wearing when I'm going into the shops. She now thinks that that top is not appropriate to be worn in Tesco because of what this man was saying."
Tesco's Response
A Tesco spokesperson said: "We are really sorry to hear about this experience. We want everyone to feel welcome in our stores and this should not have happened." The company said they will contact Alixe directly about the matter.
The video Alixe shared went viral, racking up more than 53,000 likes and comments. One user wrote: "Escalate this, it's not acceptable." Another commented: "I am flabbergasted. I honestly think the world is going mad."
Following the incident, Alixe says she will be steering clear of Tesco during the next heatwave. She said: "I will definitely be avoiding Tesco if it comes to another heatwave because I have quite a few tops or dresses that are a halter neck style, so your back is out."
