A mother of three claims she was asked to leave a Tesco store because a security guard feared her backless top could be untied by other shoppers, leaving her exposed. Alixe Galatis, 31, visited a Tesco branch in Essex on June 26, when temperatures reached a record-breaking 37C.
Incident at the Store
Galatis was wearing a black v-neck top that tied at the back. As she approached the 'scan as you shop' section with her children, a male security guard allegedly told her she could not enter because her top could be untied. She retrieved a gym sweater from her car, draped it over her shoulders, and was then allowed inside to complete her shopping.
Galatis 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."
Security Guard's Remarks
According to Galatis, the security guard said: "You can't come in here wearing that top because it's got a tie-up at the back." She added: "I don't know why but he wouldn't give me any eye contact and I think because I wasn't moving he carried on and said 'someone can untie your top', so basically just leave me exposed."
She asked if she could buy a top inside, but the guard refused entry. She then covered up with a gym jumper, saying: "It was so hot and I was thinking 'I can't physically put this on, so I put it over my shoulders so it was covering my shoulders and my back."
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 it would contact Galatis directly about the matter.
Impact on Family
Galatis said her nine-year-old daughter is now anxious about what her mother wears to the shops. She described the guard's comments as having a "victim blaming" mentality. She said: "If someone ever, God forbid, tried to undress me in Tesco why would that be my fault?"
The video Galatis shared on social media received over 53,000 likes and comments, with many expressing outrage. One user wrote: "Escalate this, it's not acceptable." Another commented: "I am flabbergasted. I honestly think the world is going mad."
