23-6-2023 (LONDON) A blind man was kicked out of a gym after being mistaken for a “pervert” while exercising. Toby Addison, a 21-year-old footballer and TikTok personality with just 4% vision, was working out when a woman accused him of staring at her inappropriately. Despite his attempts to explain that he was blind, the woman and gym staff refused to believe him and he was ultimately forced to leave. Addison, who lost his eyesight at age 11, has become a social media sensation by sharing his experiences of adapting to life as a visually impaired person.
Addison said that he was looking straight ahead and was unaware that a woman was exercising in front of him. She accused him of staring at her and asked, “Are you enjoying what you see?” Addison, not realizing she was talking to him, didn’t respond at first. The woman then became angry and accused him of being a “pervert.” Despite Addison’s explanation that he was blind and even showing his cane as proof, the woman and gym staff refused to believe him and he was kicked out of the gym.
Addison expressed his disappointment and hurt at the incident, saying it was a blow to his confidence and he hasn’t returned to the gym since. The incident has sparked outrage online, with many netizens expressing their support for Addison and condemning the gym’s actions. “This is outrageous, the gym should never have kicked out a blind man,” one netizen commented.
@blindtobes The thought of these situations make me pretty nervous ???? #blindtok #blind #disabled #disabledtok #retinitispigmentosa #accessibility #fyp #visuallyimpaired #gym #gymtok #fitness #joeyswoll #awareness #bodybuilding @Joey Swoll ♬ Storytelling
