Management at The Nest have responded to allegations that a lesbian couple was assaulted by staff members at the venue on Sunday night.
The accusations first surfaced earlier this morning, when prominent members of Shanghai's LGBTIQ+ community circulated a flyer on WeChat detailing the alleged incident and calling for a boycott of the popular gastrolounge. According to the widely-shared message:
[On December 17] members of our community were victims of a hate crime — a lesbian couple were beaten in the bathroom of The Nest, by security guards. While being beaten they received hateful comments about being lesbian.
The flyer circulating on WeChat this morning
Just moments ago, The Nest issued a statement responding to the incident:
The Nest is shocked and saddened to find allegations of a ‘hate crime’ circulating on social media today.
Each and every day, since opening three years ago, we have prided ourselves on the philosophy of being a warm and welcoming home for all people of any sexual orientation, race, religion … for our guests, our team and the community.
While there was a security incident on Sunday evening starting from a misunderstanding, the magnitude of the accusations requires a review that goes beyond the reports filed with the authorities by both parties on the night. We are reaching out to all those involved on both sides, as well as any documentary evidence to determine the facts and take any appropriate action. We are committed to doing the right thing in accordance with the principles of who we are and what we believe in.
The comfort, safety and positive experience of ALL, from all communities, is at the heart of everything we do.
Here's a screengrab of their statement in full:
More updates on this developing story as we receive them.
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