'A woman called me vain for taking progress pictures in a West Midlands gym - but I was banned for sticking up for myself'

Janay Dawes, who is known to her 232,000 Instagram followers as 'curvyblackwitch', claims she was banned from The Gym - Hagley Road following a confrontation with another member last week. 

The mother-of-one, from Birmingham, who also goes by the surname Owen, had been a member of the gym on and off since 2017 but started taking her health journey more seriously and became a regular attendee for the last two years. 

However, on Monday (February 16), she recieved an email from the groups stating that her membership had been terminated due to 'bullying and harassment', following an incident last week, of which Janay claims she was the real victim and had just reacted to another member's comments. 

Speaking to the Express & Star, the 36-year-old influencer said: "I was at the gym, with my headphones on, taking progress pictures when I heard the door bang really loud. I turned round to see who it was and this woman barged past me and started calling me vain and telling me I don't look good. 

"I was just minding my business, taking progress pictures for my personal trainer like I do every session. 

"So, naturally, I defended myself because I know she better not be talking to me. I'm not the one. I called her out in the fitting rooms and she walked away laughing and smirking."

Following the confrontation, Janay said that she got ready to leave and spotted the woman crying to staff in the office - which Janay says felt like 'weaponised' tears and said she told a member of staff her side of the story. 

Janay admitted to sticking her finger up at the woman on the way out after her personal trainer suggested going for a coffee to calm down.

"The staff member said there were 'two conflicting stories' and that I would get a phone call to investigate it but I never recieved one," she added. 

"I usually go to the gym on Mondays but this week I was a bit ill so I decided I'd go on Tuesday instead. But when I checked my emails, I had been notified that my membership was terminated without a proper investigation. It's discrimination against the real victim. I was just defending myself.

"I don't even want my membership back if this is how they're going to treat me. They can keep it. I can go to another one a bit further away. It's just the principal of it."

Janay took to Instagram with a full statement about the situation, which has since garnered more than 900 likes and comments from people showing her support. 

One user said: "So sorry you’ve had to deal with this, but speaking out also takes a lot of strength and courage, hopefully others who have had similar experiences will be able to see they’re not alone."

Another wrote: "I never realised you were local. Hope you get a positive response from the gym," while a third commented: "Sorry that this happened to you. Stand tall with your head held high Queen." 

A spokesperson for The Gym Group: “We are committed to providing welcoming and inclusive gym spaces for all. Our Dignity at The Gym Group policy and member rules help us to create that environment, including that we do not allow any abusive, threatening or intimidating behaviour."