Search Here

Over two dozen Planet Fitness locations have received bomb threats following a controversial incident involving the banning of a customer who shared a photo of a transgender woman in the bathroom.

Dozens of locations in eleven different states have reported hoax bomb threats, following weeks of backlash against the chain's 'trans-inclusive' locker room policy and the decision to ban a member, according to Media Matters.

Planet Fitness Receives Bomb Threats

Patricia Silva, 67, gained significant attention in March when she reported witnessing an incident in which an individual was inappropriately exposing themselves to a 12-year-old girl in the women's locker room.

An individual named Silva faced a ban from a Planet Fitness in Alaska. Despite the incident causing a significant drop in the gym franchise's valuation by $400 million within a span of five days, the decision to reverse the ban was firmly rejected.

There were no explosives discovered in any of the facilities, however, the bomb threats resulted in numerous businesses evacuating their buildings and prompted an investigation by FBI agents.

At the onset of the incident, the first location affected was in Fairbanks, Alaska. Silva said she saw an unusual incident - a man shaving in the women's bathroom.

In early March, Silva took to Facebook to share her gym experience, posting a video and even sharing a photo of the person online.

On March 13, Planet Fitness took action against Silva by revoking her membership and reporting her to the police. This was due to her violation of gym policy, specifically regarding the unauthorized use of cameras in the locker room.

According to a local outlet, KTVF, an email sent on March 15 has reported the presence of bombs inside the Planet Fitness location at 1255 Airport Way. The email also includes a threat to "blow up the building."

The Fairbanks Police Department has confirmed that no explosive devices were discovered on the premises, dismissing the threat as baseless.

Following the reposting of Silva's video and Planet Fitness' statement by the X account on TikTok, numerous locations across the country have come forward, reporting incidents of bomb threats.

Several locations in Providence, Rhode Island, Mississippi, Connecticut, and Michigan have recently reported receiving bomb threats. Similar incidents have been documented at three Planet Fitness locations in Alabama, three in Florida, one in Virginia, one in Maryland, and one in Kansas.

Local law enforcement agencies and federal authorities have initiated investigations into the threats, as an increasing number of individuals on social media are joining the movement to boycott the gym franchise.

Planet Fitness Member Banned for Taking Photos of Alleged Trans Woman

In the viral video, Silva recounted her experience at Planet Fitness' Fairbanks location, where she witnessed an individual engaging in inappropriate behavior in the presence of a 12-year-old girl.

Silva, who has previously run for Fairbanks Borough Assembly, advised the "trans woman" to use the male locker room instead. The individual responded by identifying as 'LGB.'

After capturing an image of the individual, Silva shared it on the internet and narrated her encounter in a video posted on Facebook.

The statement shared by Libs of TikTok echoed the stance of Planet Fitness. They reaffirmed their decision.

@lucky_the_leftist #duet with @PinkNews ️‍️‍⚧️ #planetfitness ♬ Serious piano and strings, the end(973959) - 8.864

The gym released a statement emphasizing the importance of staff collaborating with members and employees to address any concerns regarding sharing facilities with transgender members. They aim to create an inclusive and accepting environment that aligns with the Judgment Free character of Planet Fitness.

The statement emphasized that Planet Fitness staff is committed to respecting the gender identity of transgender members by using appropriate names, titles, pronouns, and other terms.

According to the statement, individuals who identify as transgender women should be addressed by their preferred name and female pronouns.

A transgender man will be addressed by his preferred name and male pronouns. According to the statement, the gym has the authority to cancel a person's membership right away if they violate this policy.