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Autistic Man Called “Stupid” By Gym Staff Teaches Himself Law, Sues The Company And Wins
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Autistic Man Called “Stupid” By Gym Staff Teaches Himself Law, Sues The Company And Wins

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When Ketan Aggarwal, a 30-year-old Londoner with autism, was ridiculed by a spin class instructor at his local Virgin Active gym, he decided to take retribution into his own hands. After spending 2 years teaching himself law with the help of library books and online resources, he took Virgin Active to court – and won.

In a distressing May 2015 incident, Aggarwal was reportedly called ‘stupid’ multiple times by the accused gym staff member during a spin class, and was rudely berated for requesting a change of music. He made an official complaint, but was ignored, which led him to file a legal claim. Representing himself in court, he ended up victorious, and was awarded £1,390 as well as a written apology from Virgin Active. The instructor was dismissed from his job at the gym.

“When someone discriminates [against] someone with a mental disability, they don’t think they are going to pick up law, submit a legal claim and then successfully argue it in a court of law,” Aggarwal publicly stated. “It felt amazing to win.”

This is Ketan Aggarwal, an autistic man who was repeatedly called ‘stupid’ by a gym instructor

Image credits: Ketan Aggarwal

The 30 y/o Londoner decided to sue Virgin Active after his complaint to the gym was ignored

Image credits: Ketan Aggarwal

He spent 2 years teaching himself law, with the help of library books and online resources

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Image credits: Peter Stack

Representing himself in court, Aggarwal proved that he had been discriminated against

Image credits: Unknown

In a sweeping victory, Virgin Active was ordered to pay him a total of £1,390 in compensation

Image credits: Ketan Aggarwal

They were also ordered to issue a written apology, all Aggarwal really ever wanted

Image credits: Google Maps

“It wasn’t about the money…” he publicly stated, but added that “it felt amazing to win”

Image credits: Ketan Aggarwal

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wroehlig avatar
Nancy E
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The instructor deserved to be dismissed . Whatever the handicap, it makes life more difficult for those that have it. Help should always be available to those that need or want it. Handicapped individuals deserve respect & should be listened to. This young man get 'High Fives"

rowanjames11 avatar
Rowan James
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Load More Replies...
susan036 avatar
SusanS
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good for him! Should NEVER have come to a suit though. For shame Virgin Active, for shame.

annyia avatar
Annyia Hardwick
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone with autism, I think this is a little strange. He must of know there would be music and could have delta with this before the class even started. I have difficulty dealing with noises but I don't believe people should be going out of their way to be quiet around me. I carry ear plugs everywhere. Just because I may be different doesn't mean I have to change other people to accommodate me. I accommodate myself by dealing with the problem not arguing about it. And yes, if I were called stupid for something this simple it would hurt my feeling but I wouldn't take them to court over it. Being disabled does not mean you are entitled to be treated like a delicate little flower. I spent my whole life trying to be treated like a normal person, bad experiences an all. My disability is not an excuse.

1705093 avatar
Vani Johri
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anniya....I completely understand the point you are trying to make here...but all he did was just placed a request to change music as it happened to bother him. Instructor could have handled tHis politely and in matured way rather than be so rude to him by calling him stupid..! And no one is suppose to take that "Insult" in there face just because you are handicapped or born with any issue ....and this applies to u as well. Never let anyone make u fell this way !

Load More Replies...
jenniester avatar
Jenni Ester
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I find it amazing that he learned a specific set of laws and defend himself in court, that takes time and determination.

jenniester avatar
Jenni Ester
Community Member
7 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

But I don't understand why he would sue someone for calling him stupid. I've been called stupid on multiple occasions. lol I haven't sued.

Load More Replies...
daddysgirl-np avatar
Naomi Prior
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You Sir are incredible, i just wish there were more people like you

blueteal2 avatar
Patrick McKenna
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I find myself having mixed feelings here. I admire him for working hard and fighting back...at the same time I come from a generation that were not as sensitive. not that it was right, but we took it in stride a bit better. you expect kids to be ruthless growing up, you'd think adults would show more professionalism. and we had some rude teachers..amazing adults act that way

kayla1993_1 avatar
KO
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not all of us with mental disabilities take everything so serious. And sometimes you can't even tell. People call people stupid all the time. Get over it.

Load More Replies...
gvblack avatar
Gillian Black
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

way to go who do they think they are, I had a son in wheelchair and anyone would think his brain was in his butt, for the way he was treated and he was a mathamation so brainy but all people saw was the chair

pmeehan3 avatar
Patti Meehan
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read this story 3 times and i don't see anywhere in it that the gym instructor discriminated against the guy because he has autism.

jevais avatar
jevais
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Marioara Popescu, this gentleman was a paying customer, not at child school. Even so, you never call children or adults with a disability STUPID!!! How rude can you get. Watch your language Missy....

edithswartz avatar
Elaine Swartz
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There could be another side of the story here. No one should be made to feel degraded in any situation particularly a group fitness class regardless of the clients abilities/disabilities. Sound sensitivity is one of the proponents of autism. This loud,"tech" rhythmic music that is usually greater than 110 bpm may have been over stimulating for him and he lashed out disrupting the class. No one deserves to be called stupid and if that was proven in court than the dismissal was justified. This has nothing to do with autism, this has to do with a very unprofessional spin instructor......Elaine Swartz RN. BScN. pts. fis. pfs. Can Fit Pro....spin instructor.

kirathesloth avatar
Kira Thesloth
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish this site would let me comment to Irina Reid because I agree! Good teachers should be able to adapt a situation to the needs of the client in most cases. I feel the same way with managers. If you have a high turnover rate, it's probably not because you keep picking bad employees, YOU'RE the problem!!! I worked for five years as a supervisor and everyone had their quirks & strengths/weaknesses. Not a single one was disposable to me and I was usually able to get the employees to work exactly how I wanted by simply listening to them! Of course I provided feedback when I was happy or unhappy with their work but I always wanted to hear what I could do to improve matters for them so that we were both happy. I also made an effort to ensure that they didn't feel like one slip up would change my opinion of them. I can't say the same for some of the other supervisors i worked with, & the bad ones always thought the employees were the problem.

sarmj26 avatar
Jaya Sarma
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You go , Mr.Agrawal ! You spoke loud and clear for many who are voiceless against Ignorance .

lizmolloy1969 avatar
Elizabeth Molloy
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just shows that when people hold positions in certain jobs, it makes them think they are superior to everyone else. He was rude and humiliated a client - you simply don't do that. If I had been there I would have told him so. Good for Ketan for fighting back.

jeremysbeautiful avatar
Bobbi Jo Golombiski
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Disability or not no one should be disrespected over a song change request in a damn spin class, are you really that lazy and arrogant of an instructor in a class where you really don't have to do anything but put on the music that you're going to be so offended by someone not liking your music choice that you degrade them over it? Autistic or not kudos to this man for standing up to the bully

herfurriness_rw avatar
Roswald Walton
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The fact that they ignored it in the first place is beyond appalling, if anyone said anything like that around me I would have had the management out to explain why they were allowing such behaviour and they would have had to deal with them being publicly shamed. Well done to him for persevering and getting justice.

glynislailann avatar
Glynis Lailann
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It all boils down to a simple rule in life - Treat others the same way as you would like to be treated. Simple.

jevais avatar
jevais
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wonderful ending. This young man looks so kind. Bravo Monsieur.

nileshagrawal17 avatar
Nilesh Agrawal
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is nothing to do with his autism ! He is a Agarwal he can do such type of shits anyway !!!! #AgarwaloKaTheka

mrco-mller avatar
Marco Andreas
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I think about, why the gym trainer would say such a think, a joke from a German slam-poet comes to my mind. "I would love to go to the gym, but unfortunately I'm able to read"

annasheridan avatar
Anna Sheridan
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think virgin active could have coughed up a little more money than that being the huge multinational they are!

jlhall13 avatar
porcupine
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope everyone else in his class came to the courthouse and testified against that a*****e. Does anyone know if he got fired?

robert_laidley avatar
Robert Laidley
Community Member
7 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Autism, to me, is a bs condition that's an umbrella term used for those that are outside the norm from society. The very definition of autism is ambiguous and left open to interpretation. Any adult I've met that claims to have autism really just seems to be fishing for attention and trying to assume a victims role; it's a tool for them to excuse their behaviors and be an a*s.

l_jaklovsky avatar
Lukáš Jaklovský
Community Member
7 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

This is the first time I'm commenting here, but I can't help myself, this is just preposterous. Somebody calls me stupid (because I'm annoying => I wanted to change the music), so I'm going to sue him? That sounds like something a little child in kindergarten would do

lorrchen avatar
Lorraine
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are many gyms where competent class instructors are able to adapt to the needs of students in ways that do not impact the rest of the students. Everyone has different needs and any instructor should be prepared to assist. If, as an instructor, you are reluctant to respect the needs of students and adjust, maybe this isn't the right job for you.

Load More Replies...
marioara_popescoo avatar
Marioara Popescu
Community Member
7 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

See, this is why people hate handicappeds. If I don't like the class, I f*****g leave, not ask them to change the routine on the spot for me. If someone treats me bad, I just don't go there anymore, not f*****g waste 2 years of my life to learn one single law just to sue them.

lorrchen avatar
Lorraine
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Since when was educating yourself considered a waste of time? Lol.

Load More Replies...
wroehlig avatar
Nancy E
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The instructor deserved to be dismissed . Whatever the handicap, it makes life more difficult for those that have it. Help should always be available to those that need or want it. Handicapped individuals deserve respect & should be listened to. This young man get 'High Fives"

rowanjames11 avatar
Rowan James
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Load More Replies...
susan036 avatar
SusanS
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good for him! Should NEVER have come to a suit though. For shame Virgin Active, for shame.

annyia avatar
Annyia Hardwick
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone with autism, I think this is a little strange. He must of know there would be music and could have delta with this before the class even started. I have difficulty dealing with noises but I don't believe people should be going out of their way to be quiet around me. I carry ear plugs everywhere. Just because I may be different doesn't mean I have to change other people to accommodate me. I accommodate myself by dealing with the problem not arguing about it. And yes, if I were called stupid for something this simple it would hurt my feeling but I wouldn't take them to court over it. Being disabled does not mean you are entitled to be treated like a delicate little flower. I spent my whole life trying to be treated like a normal person, bad experiences an all. My disability is not an excuse.

1705093 avatar
Vani Johri
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anniya....I completely understand the point you are trying to make here...but all he did was just placed a request to change music as it happened to bother him. Instructor could have handled tHis politely and in matured way rather than be so rude to him by calling him stupid..! And no one is suppose to take that "Insult" in there face just because you are handicapped or born with any issue ....and this applies to u as well. Never let anyone make u fell this way !

Load More Replies...
jenniester avatar
Jenni Ester
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I find it amazing that he learned a specific set of laws and defend himself in court, that takes time and determination.

jenniester avatar
Jenni Ester
Community Member
7 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

But I don't understand why he would sue someone for calling him stupid. I've been called stupid on multiple occasions. lol I haven't sued.

Load More Replies...
daddysgirl-np avatar
Naomi Prior
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You Sir are incredible, i just wish there were more people like you

blueteal2 avatar
Patrick McKenna
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I find myself having mixed feelings here. I admire him for working hard and fighting back...at the same time I come from a generation that were not as sensitive. not that it was right, but we took it in stride a bit better. you expect kids to be ruthless growing up, you'd think adults would show more professionalism. and we had some rude teachers..amazing adults act that way

kayla1993_1 avatar
KO
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not all of us with mental disabilities take everything so serious. And sometimes you can't even tell. People call people stupid all the time. Get over it.

Load More Replies...
gvblack avatar
Gillian Black
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

way to go who do they think they are, I had a son in wheelchair and anyone would think his brain was in his butt, for the way he was treated and he was a mathamation so brainy but all people saw was the chair

pmeehan3 avatar
Patti Meehan
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read this story 3 times and i don't see anywhere in it that the gym instructor discriminated against the guy because he has autism.

jevais avatar
jevais
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Marioara Popescu, this gentleman was a paying customer, not at child school. Even so, you never call children or adults with a disability STUPID!!! How rude can you get. Watch your language Missy....

edithswartz avatar
Elaine Swartz
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There could be another side of the story here. No one should be made to feel degraded in any situation particularly a group fitness class regardless of the clients abilities/disabilities. Sound sensitivity is one of the proponents of autism. This loud,"tech" rhythmic music that is usually greater than 110 bpm may have been over stimulating for him and he lashed out disrupting the class. No one deserves to be called stupid and if that was proven in court than the dismissal was justified. This has nothing to do with autism, this has to do with a very unprofessional spin instructor......Elaine Swartz RN. BScN. pts. fis. pfs. Can Fit Pro....spin instructor.

kirathesloth avatar
Kira Thesloth
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish this site would let me comment to Irina Reid because I agree! Good teachers should be able to adapt a situation to the needs of the client in most cases. I feel the same way with managers. If you have a high turnover rate, it's probably not because you keep picking bad employees, YOU'RE the problem!!! I worked for five years as a supervisor and everyone had their quirks & strengths/weaknesses. Not a single one was disposable to me and I was usually able to get the employees to work exactly how I wanted by simply listening to them! Of course I provided feedback when I was happy or unhappy with their work but I always wanted to hear what I could do to improve matters for them so that we were both happy. I also made an effort to ensure that they didn't feel like one slip up would change my opinion of them. I can't say the same for some of the other supervisors i worked with, & the bad ones always thought the employees were the problem.

sarmj26 avatar
Jaya Sarma
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You go , Mr.Agrawal ! You spoke loud and clear for many who are voiceless against Ignorance .

lizmolloy1969 avatar
Elizabeth Molloy
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just shows that when people hold positions in certain jobs, it makes them think they are superior to everyone else. He was rude and humiliated a client - you simply don't do that. If I had been there I would have told him so. Good for Ketan for fighting back.

jeremysbeautiful avatar
Bobbi Jo Golombiski
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Disability or not no one should be disrespected over a song change request in a damn spin class, are you really that lazy and arrogant of an instructor in a class where you really don't have to do anything but put on the music that you're going to be so offended by someone not liking your music choice that you degrade them over it? Autistic or not kudos to this man for standing up to the bully

herfurriness_rw avatar
Roswald Walton
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The fact that they ignored it in the first place is beyond appalling, if anyone said anything like that around me I would have had the management out to explain why they were allowing such behaviour and they would have had to deal with them being publicly shamed. Well done to him for persevering and getting justice.

glynislailann avatar
Glynis Lailann
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It all boils down to a simple rule in life - Treat others the same way as you would like to be treated. Simple.

jevais avatar
jevais
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wonderful ending. This young man looks so kind. Bravo Monsieur.

nileshagrawal17 avatar
Nilesh Agrawal
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is nothing to do with his autism ! He is a Agarwal he can do such type of shits anyway !!!! #AgarwaloKaTheka

mrco-mller avatar
Marco Andreas
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I think about, why the gym trainer would say such a think, a joke from a German slam-poet comes to my mind. "I would love to go to the gym, but unfortunately I'm able to read"

annasheridan avatar
Anna Sheridan
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think virgin active could have coughed up a little more money than that being the huge multinational they are!

jlhall13 avatar
porcupine
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope everyone else in his class came to the courthouse and testified against that a*****e. Does anyone know if he got fired?

robert_laidley avatar
Robert Laidley
Community Member
7 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Autism, to me, is a bs condition that's an umbrella term used for those that are outside the norm from society. The very definition of autism is ambiguous and left open to interpretation. Any adult I've met that claims to have autism really just seems to be fishing for attention and trying to assume a victims role; it's a tool for them to excuse their behaviors and be an a*s.

l_jaklovsky avatar
Lukáš Jaklovský
Community Member
7 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

This is the first time I'm commenting here, but I can't help myself, this is just preposterous. Somebody calls me stupid (because I'm annoying => I wanted to change the music), so I'm going to sue him? That sounds like something a little child in kindergarten would do

lorrchen avatar
Lorraine
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are many gyms where competent class instructors are able to adapt to the needs of students in ways that do not impact the rest of the students. Everyone has different needs and any instructor should be prepared to assist. If, as an instructor, you are reluctant to respect the needs of students and adjust, maybe this isn't the right job for you.

Load More Replies...
marioara_popescoo avatar
Marioara Popescu
Community Member
7 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

See, this is why people hate handicappeds. If I don't like the class, I f*****g leave, not ask them to change the routine on the spot for me. If someone treats me bad, I just don't go there anymore, not f*****g waste 2 years of my life to learn one single law just to sue them.

lorrchen avatar
Lorraine
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Since when was educating yourself considered a waste of time? Lol.

Load More Replies...
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