Jess Glynne admits she ‘used the wrong word’ after saying she was discriminated against by Mayfair restaurant

‘It wasn’t about the dress code,’ says Glynne

Olivia Petter
Wednesday 08 July 2020 08:34 BST
Comments
Jess Glynne apologises for using wrong word after saying she was discriminated against by Mayfair restaurant

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Jess Glynne has spoken out after being criticised for claiming she was discriminated against by a Mayfair restaurant after she turned up in sportswear and was denied entry.

On Tuesday, the singer shared a photograph of herself on Instagram wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, black jogging bottoms and trainers.

In the caption, Glynne explained she had arrived at Sexy Fish and one of the staff members “looked her and her friend up and down” and said “no you can’t come in”.

The 30-year-old urged the restaurant to “check itself” and described the attitude of its staff as “pure discrimination”.

But Glynne’s intentions swiftly backfired as she was ridiculed on social media for her comments.

Now, the singer has issued a statement responding to the criticism.

While Glynne did not apologise for conflating discrimination with not abiding by a dress code, she did admit to having “used the wrong word”.

“I feel I need to come on here and just, like, pull up on what I posted yesterday,” the singer began in an Instagram TV video.

“Look, I used the wrong word. Discrimination. I take that back, it wasn’t the right word. It was wrong,” she said.

Glynne went on to explain why she wanted to share her experience.

“Basically, all I wanted to say was that I felt it was very rude and disrespectful in the way that the Sexy Fish staff were towards me and my friend yesterday and I don’t believe anybody should be spoken to like that and that’s what I wanted to highlight,” she said.

The singer added that she is “so understanding and respectful of dress codes and etiquette”.

“Listen, I have been turned away from numerous places in my life. That does not bother me, it’s not a thing,” she continued.

“That’s not why I was upset. What I was trying to highlight for [the Sexy Fish staff] so that they can better themselves is that there are just ways of dealing with human beings.

“And being respectful and having manners because it doesn’t cost anything you know? And that’s all I wanted to say.

“I hope you guys understand and let me know when it’s safe to come back out.”

In the caption underneath, Glynne added that she recognised she had used the wrong word by referring to what had happened as discrimination and explained that “it wasn’t about the dress code” but she was simply “blown back by the rudeness of the staff” at Sexy Fish.

“Once again I used the wrong word for my explanation and I recognise that. Mistake,” she added.

While some fans thanks Glynne for her statement, others remained unconvinced and accused her of “missing the point”.

The Independent has contacted Sexy Fish for comment.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in