A gay couple have been left humiliated and shocked after a security guard at Sainsbury’s told them they were touching inappropriately in store.
A couple in London have been left shocked after a contractor security guard for Sainsbury‘s took them to one side to tell them that they had caused offence to a fellow shopper as they held hands during their shopping trip in the Hackney Road store.
Thomas Rees and his partner Josh said they were holding hands and showed “just general public displays of affection”.
The incident happened after the couple had finished paying for their shopping and were in the process of leaving the store. The security guard, who is employed by an outside security contractor, called them over “with a finger” and told the pair to follow him outside.
He told the couple that another customer had complained about their behaviour.
The retailer, whose current pride slogan is “Sainsbury’s Loves Pride” offered Mr Rees and his boyfriend a £10 gift card as a “goodwill gesture” after Mr. Rees took to Twitter to vent his frustration.
Sainsbury’s Twitter staff tried to resolve the matter by offering the pair a giftcard.
Mr Rees said,
“My blood boiled. I was shaking and dumbfounded and unable to respond. He kept repeating the customer felt our behaviour was inappropriate.”
Speaking to ITV a Sainsbury’s spokesperson said,
“We sincerely apologise to Thomas and Josh.
“We are an inclusive retailer and employer and do not tolerate discrimination in our stores.
“We will take appropriate action once we’ve concluded our investigation with our security contractor.”
