A Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, man said he was kicked out of an area Planet Fitness because of the way he looks.
Planet Fitness says he was doing group training, and that’s why he was asked to leave.
WPXI has learned the man involved has hired an attorney and wants to file a discrimination lawsuit against the club.
Chris Edmonds told WPXI that he’s worked out at a few other gyms in the area, including the Planet Fitness in Edgewood, with no problems.
But when he asked why there was a problem at the gym in Penn Hills, he says a manager told him it was his appearance.
Regis Sauers said he and his friend Edmonds were told not to return to the Planet Fitness in Penn Hills.
When Sauers and Edmonds went to speak to the general manager, they said his answer was unexpected.
“Is it my beard? Am I tall, am I black, my tattoos? What is it? He said, ‘Yes, all of the above,’” Edmonds said.
According to Edmonds, he worked out with Sauers and another friend for two days last week. He was a visitor who believes he was unfairly judged at a place where the mission statement is “No Judgment Zone.”
“It was blatant (racism). The guy told me, and the guy was this tall. He looked me right in my eyes and said, ‘Yeah, that’s why,’” Edmonds said.
A spokeswoman from Planet Fitness’ corporate office sent the following statement: “A guest of a Planet Fitness member was part of a group leading training sessions generated complaints from other members.”
Edmonds and Sauers said they were never instructing anyone at any point.
“I’m an ex-NFL football player. I’ve been working out my whole life,” Edmonds said. “In my adult years, this is the biggest case of racism I’ve seen and had done to myself.”
Planet Fitness’ corporate office said Edmonds and Sauers are welcome back.
Edmonds runs a non-profit group that specializes in workouts outside the gym. He said he never wore any clothing to promote it.
Edmonds’ attorney told Hudson he’s building his case for a discrimination suit. He said he plans to speak to Planet Fitness’ corporate office and ask for their surveillance video.
