‘Plus sized models’ barred from nightclub because bouncer thought they were ‘too big’

Two plus-size models have criticised a nightclub where they insist they were refused entry because of their size.

Alexa Jay and Ella Halikas have urged other curvy women to speak out against discrimination after they were denied entry to The Highlight Room in Los Angeles.

The pair, who initially took to TikTok to share their experience, were at the venue to celebrate a friend’s birthday.

READ MORE: Plus size model told she’s ‘too big to walk runway’ fires back with stunning snaps

However, while a bouncer admitted the rest of their group, the two women were turned away.

Ella said that the prejudice they suffered left them with “the worst feeling ever”.

Alexa reportedly said that the bouncer looked them up and down and told them, “not tonight”, leaving her so embarrassed and humiliated that she went home.

Ella added: “To get ready and get dressed up and feel so vulnerable that a man is now objectifying you at the door to see if you’re worth of coming in and having a drink or not, is the worst feeling ever.”

The parent company of The Highlight Room, Tao Group Hospitality, said in a statement it was aware of the incident and in contact with the pair regarding their experience.

“We are always appreciative of feedback on our operations and continue to work on how to improve our guest experience. Our company does not tolerate discrimination of any kind,” the company said.

While Alexa and Ella acknowledged that they have received a message from The Highlight Room with a manager offering to discuss the incident with them, they feel the venue has not gone far enough.

Ella was upset that nobody stood up for the pair, describing it as “blatant discrimination against our size”.

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“In that moment it hurt because we have such a great following online,” she added.

“I have almost 600,000 followers on TikTok but the second this happens in real life, everyone is silent. No one wants to stand up for you.”

After posting about the incident on social media, followers of the models started using the hashtag #NotTonight to reclaim the phrase used by the bouncer.

“It doesn’t matter your race, your size, your sexual orientation, if you have acne, if you are pretty, if you are ugly, it does not matter,” Alexa said.

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