Security guard kicks mother out of Tesco for wearing top that 'someone can untie'

A mother has claimed a security guard booted her out of her local Tesco - as he feared a sex pest could undo her tie-back top and leave her "exposed".

Alixe Galatis visited an Essex branch of the supermarket on June 26 with her children to do a food shop when temperatures hit a record-breaking 37C.

As it was "very hot", the mum-of-three was wearing a black v-neck top which tied at the back, and as she went to the Scan as You Shop section, she said a male security guard approached her.

Alixe claims he told her she couldn't come in the store as her backless top could be "untied" by other shoppers and leave her "exposed".

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

The 31-year-old retrieved a gym sweater from her car and draped it over her back and shoulders, covering the offending tie, and was then allowed in-store to shop.

Stay-at-home mum Alixe claims as she left the store the security guard shook his head with "disdain" at her outfit.

Tesco said it was "really sorry" to hear about her experience, admitted it "should not have happened", and vowed to contact Alixe directly about the matter.

The mother, from Essex, said: "It was just after the school run, I think it peaked around 36, 37C or something crazy.

"The clothes I was wearing I had been in all day, I'd been in other shops and there wasn't an issue until I walked into Tesco, I was with my kids as well.

"The kids were picking up the scanner and then the security was standing behind us and when I turned around he said: 'You're not allowed in here.'

"I said: 'Why not?' He said: 'You can't come in here wearing that top because it's got a tie-up at the back.'

"I was just really confused and the kids were a bit stunned."

ESSEX - READ THE LATEST:

• Lower Thames Crossing road project to be investigated over spiralling £11billion cost
• Sledgehammer-wielding gang plead guilty after £225,000 jewellery shop raid
• Two men arrested after body found in suitcase as children played nearby

After sharing the experience online, where an overwhelming majority sided with her, Alixe says she'll be avoiding Tesco the next time the UK has a heatwave.

Alixe said: "The vast majority agree that the top was absolutely fine and that they should be focusing on the people that assault me rather than the clothes I am wearing.

"I will definitely be avoiding Tesco if it comes to another heatwave because I have quite a few tops or dresses that are a halter neck style, so your back is out.

"I honestly don't believe my daughter would like me going to Tesco wearing something like that again because of what happened."

The video Alixe shared soon went viral, racking up more than 53,000 likes and comments.

One wrote: "Escalate this, it's not acceptable."

Another commented: "I am flabbergasted... I honestly think the world is going mad."

One added: "Should write a complaint of discrimination and harassment while shopping that you felt uncomfortable and vulnerable."

A Tesco spokesman said: "We are really sorry to hear about this experience.

"We want everyone to feel welcome in our stores and this should not have happened."

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter