Martin Lewis confronted a woman for loudly using her phone on a packed train, prompting a debate on social media.
On Sunday, September 27, the MoneySavingExpert founder was travelling with his family on a busy train when a couple across the aisle started playing music loudly from their phone.
Lewis says that he initially bit his tongue, but he eventually felt compelled to speak up when the pair started watching a documentary about serial killers at full blast.
Encounter shared on X
Sharing the encounter on X, the 54-year-old said that he politely asked the couple to turn it down as the content was not appropriate, but they refused.
“I'm sure she's heard worse at school,” the woman allegedly said.
Lewis said he told her that this wasn’t her decision to make and asked once more if she could turn the volume down.
“It’s a public train for heaven's sake,” she allegedly replied, though Lewis said she did eventually relent.
“For me that's exactly why it is anti-social (and what headphones were invented for). I'm wondering which one of us is out of kilter on this?”
Famous faces weigh in
Many of his followers weighed in on the debate, including some famous faces.
“The general lack of consideration for others in public spaces is abysmal,” wrote Sharron Davies, former Olympic swimmer and member of the House of Lords.
Singer Amy Macdonnald said: “It’s her that’s in the wrong. It’s the most self-centred, ridiculous behaviour. You’re better than me - I give people about 60 seconds grace time before telling them to shut it.”
Another user chided in: “You were right that’s ridiculous do I take it this woman thinks it’s okay for her kids oh how the world is getting worse!”
“It’s just incredible isn’t it?,” said another user. “I’ve come to the conclusion that some people just must have their brains wired differently. As to think that playing loud music or videos, and particularly none child friendly material in public space is acceptable, is beyond my comprehension.”
Differing viewpoints
But several other X users with differing viewpoints also weighed in on the issue. One wrote: “I actually think technology has a part to play here too - without wired headphone jacks, Bluetooth headphones can be prohibitively expensive, or run out of battery.
“Don't remember any issues back in the iPod, wired headphone days unless a group listened to music together.”
Some even took the woman’s side against with Lewis and argued against his decision to share the encounter.
“She’s in the right here, should have just played a more offensive video louder,” said one user.
“Why post it on here?” asked another. “I'd have said mind your own business, and I wouldn't have recognised you either.”
