Party Bus Staff Tells Woman She Can’t Get In Because She’s Plus-Sized, She Exposes The Business That Humiliated Her
InterviewWhen you think of a party bus, your mind automatically jumps to good times with friends, right? Though, apparently, some party buses aren’t for everyone and discriminate against you based on your size and weight. If you’re a “big girl,” you’re not welcome… That’s the negative experience that 27-year-old body positivity advocate Fallon Melillo had on a recent trip.
The Texan from San Antonio traveled to Miami Beach in Florida where she and her friends decided to head to a pool party and opted to go on a party bus. However, she was told that she wasn’t allowed on the bus because of her size. Fallon shared the story on TikTok where it immediately went viral. Scroll down to get all the details and let us know what you think of the entire situation in the comments, dear Pandas.
Fallon told Bored Panda that she had a fair amount of TikTok followers and hoped that people would see her initial video and not use that particular party service in Miami. “I never thought so many editors and reporters would reach out to me and want to hear my story. It’s really nice that so many people want to cover this even if I am getting backlash from people who are being rude,” she opened up about the huge amount of attention she’s been getting online since her story went viral.
The woman wanted to make it very clear that they bought the tickets through a promoter on Facebook, not Eventbrite. “We purchased the tickets at least a week prior. I just so happened to see that ad the night before the pool party. We reached out to Daer [the club] via online chat on their website and they assured us they don’t discriminate against weight. So we went to the party bus being hopeful it would work out since we didn’t actually buy the tickets through Eventbrite and the promoter did not disclose any of that information.” You’ll find the rest of our interview with Fallon below, so be sure to read on, dear Pandas.
Fallon shared how a party bus denied her entry because of her size and how she felt utterly humiliated
Image credits: fallonlindsey
The woman believes that the entire business model needs to change to be more accepting of customers of all sizes
According to Fallon, some people see themselves as superior to those who are plus-size. “People view ‘fat’ people as less than. If there were laws protecting bigger people, I think a lot of people in society would view it as accepting their fatness and being ‘unhealthy.’ If society doesn’t acknowledge it’s a problem then they don’t have to protect individuals. Society has to recognize that this is discrimination for change to happen. Much like with the laws that protect discrimination towards race and LGBTQ communities. Nothing was changed without a fight or a voice.”
The body positivity advocate explained to Bored Panda that being bigger or overweight immediately invites nasty comments from others who think it’s fine to pass judgment on them.
“When you are bigger people automatically judge you and think you’re lazy and don’t care about your body or health. There are plenty of bigger people who are healthy. Like myself. I recently lost a fair amount of weight over the last year and a half and I’m still plus-size. And some people have genetic conditions, disorders, and diseases that prevent them from losing weight. It’s not black and white and one-dimensional,” she pointed out that life is much more nuanced than many people believe.
Fallon also had some spot-on advice on what to do if someone’s ever in a similar situation. “My advice is to not let places like this party bus company or even cities like LA, Vegas, and Miami lower your self-esteem because you’re not their idea of beauty. Everyone is beautiful in their own way. No matter your shape or size. Body acceptance is for anyBODY,” she said that you have to remain strong in the face of criticism.
“I was humiliated in the moment, but I’ve never been someone to remain quiet. I have always advocated for myself and stuck up for what I believe in. And I encourage others to do the same. However, our society is rooted in such fatphobic hate that it’s really hard for bigger people to speak out in their experiences for fear of judgment—which is exactly what’s happening to me right now. I just want people to know, not everyone is going to like you but you still deserve to exist in your body.”
You can watch Fallon’s full video right over here
@curvybbplease boost!!! ##boost ##miami ##daerdayclub ##partybus ##plussize ##biggirls ##curvy ##thiccc ##fatphobia ##fat ##chubby ##rue21BeYouChallenge♬ original sound – Fally♥️
The woman shared that her group of friends was planning to go to a party held at a club called Daer on July 31. However, Fallon spotted that the Spring Break Miami Party Service Bus’ description on Eventbrite listed some fairly disturbing info.
“Sorry, no big girls for this party! The doorman is very strict on appearance. If you have had problems getting into exclusive clubs before, then this is not for you! Please don’t waste your time nor ours thinking that we can get you inside if you do not meet the qualifications,” the page said.
Fallon told BuzzFeed’s Alexa Lisitza that she and her friends reached out to the club and they assured them that they don’t discriminate against weight. Naturally, they relaxed and thought that everything would go swimmingly. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
When they got to the party bus, one of the staff members told Fallon’s friend that they wouldn’t allow the 27-year-old plus-size woman on board because of her weight. Fallon felt utterly humiliated and embarrassed.
Fallon told BuzzFeed: “Being turned away in front of other people because of how I look and my size was absolutely humiliating. I was embarrassed and shocked, to say the least. Even though I know I am beautiful on the inside and out, this moment made me feel helpless. This is what every plus-size person fears—being turned away from an event because of how we look.”
She also posted an update about how the bus service supposedly changed their name (while still being discriminatory)
Nobody reached out to Fallon to apologize to her, even as her story went viral online
Image credits: fallonlindsey
Image credits: fallonlindsey
The group got a refund and found another way to get to the club. Since the incident, the party bus’ Eventbrite page got taken down and replaced by a new event that’s called ‘Open Bar Party + DAER Pool Party (EDM – Electronic Music) A model look is encouraged.’
They also added this bit of discriminatory information in the description: “As much as we would like to welcome everyone, admission to this exclusive event is very selective and we reserve the right [to] deny service.”
Fallon believes that the idea that having a model look is encouraged is “disgusting” and discriminatory against plus-size women. She also pointed out that there are plenty of plus-size models now, so the term isn’t as clear-cut as the bus service would like it to be.
The body positivity advocate noted in an update that many Miami party bus services discriminate against women who are bigger. What’s more, absolutely nobody from the bus service or the club reached out to Fallon to apologize to her for what happened. With her story going viral, you’d think that they’d do at least that.
Here’s how some TikTok users reacted to the party bus staff turning the woman away
Meanwhile, here’s what some Facebook users thought of the entire situation
This shows once again that sometimes civilisation doesn't mean that people are civilised. It's absurd that people can get refused service based on their appearance.
Happens everywhere. & it wouldn't work if humans weren't inherently prone to the beauty bias. For example, certain high-end restaurants will seat the more attractive patrons near the window etc.
Load More Replies...It's Miami, so I'm not surprised. Plenty of parties and clubs down there only welcome people with a certain look.
Everything about Miami is shallow and superficial. I can't stand that place.
Load More Replies...Nightclubs have been similar to this for years - you stand significantly less of a chance to get in if you're a man, and close to zero chance of getting in if you're not conventionally attractive. I agree it shouldn't be this way, but why do we only care now?
Once I went partying with my co-workers. Later at night people were splitting in groups but we decided to meet in a nightclub. Two gorgeous women didn't get in because they were +40 (I was a bit under 40 at the time) We only learned this the next day (I thought they decided to go somewhere else), otherwise the whole crew would have left the place.
Load More Replies...I’ll start. MAYBE DON’T GO ON A PARTY BUS IN THE HEIGHT OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC IN THE ONE PLACE IN THE ENTIRE WORKD WITH THE MOST CASES!
Load More Replies...Door policies at clubs have always been unfathomable BS. Some door staff enjoy their little bit of power and use it to the max. Back in the 80s I once had to wait for 10mins while two door staff argued with each other whether my footwear constituted trainers (sneakers) or just sporty looking shoes. The secret of telling people’s likely behaviour on the basis of their footwear is a apparently a mystery known only to these people and passed down from parent to child, etc.
I've always thought that if I am in a fight, better to be kicked by someone wearing trainers than boots....but that's just me...
Load More Replies...Pretty awful. Should it be illegal? I'm all for a law against people being rude f*****g dickheads but I'm not sure if that would work. Maybe more to the point is denying a service to someone for no good reason. Shouldn't be allowed. She's bigger but not big like she's had a documentary made about her where they have to remove a wall to get her out of the house. No good reason. Just blatent misogyny really. "I'm sorry. You don't conform to (some) men's ideal of how you should look." They say while a man twice her size is allowed. Pretty shitty.
I don't like the use of these terms "Plus Sized" and "Big" they normalize a condition that is not healthy. That being said I'm VERY FAT but thats should bother only myself, If im ok with it Its what matters. You dont like It? You have the right to not like It but dont interfere with my life.
Same here. I know I'm overweight. I don't sugarcoat it and I'm working my ass off to get to a healthy weight. This girl is not 'thick' she is morbidly obese. Please please stop doing this. No one is doing her any favors by saying so.
Load More Replies...Never been to an establishment that does this and honestly sounds like a terrible time. A bunch of people so full of themselves and alcohol would be an absolute nightmare. Never would have occurred to me to seek out clubs or services that discriminate based on appearance. I mean honestly, the last thing I care about when I am going out to party is what the other people at the club look like or what they are doing. Kind of always thought this was something that happens in the movies. Not much for nightclubs either way, the ones in my town have the absolute worst drinks. Guess it depends on what you are looking for, my first priority has always been how good the drinks are.
Oooohhhh. Very pertinent question! You're right. The article did not state if that was the case.
Load More Replies...This must have been so humiliating for her. Imagine being turned away because of the way you look! As an aside (and not that it matters), this girl looks amazing!
I find it odd that she clearly read the policy when purchasing tickets, chose to purchase the tickets anyways, and then showed up, hoping to be the exception. Instead of immediately saying "Hey, look at this horrible policy I just found" and not giving them any of her money to support their business.
Load More Replies...Were big males allowed on? It's not a woman's job to be a visually perfect party accessory
Terrible! This goes on everywhere. I know many stores, trying to portray as "trendy." These stores carry no sizes over a Large, if they even carry that. It is a more subtle discrimination. Now, some of these same stored offer larger or plus sizes, but online only. And these party bus type places are just trying to mimic a more then yr old model of Studio 54 success and exclusivity. I exclude them from my wallet.
There is no reason to exclude anyone from either of these things based on body size/type. Excluding a woman (specifically women, not men) for this reason should be illegal. In fact, because of the clear gender bias, maybe it is.
But you’re cool men have to pay more, right? It’s not that the entire thing is disgusting as f**k...?
Load More Replies...1. Shes hot!! 2. Her mistake was going to Miami that cesspool garbage city should be wiped off the map!!!
I think she went to the club to have a fun time with her friends and not to attract 'boyz'.
Load More Replies...How about everyone paying the same price?!
Load More Replies...I'm tall and curvy, so I weigh a decent amount for a woman, definitely considered plus sized, but not for a human. I weight less then your average pro quarterback (225lbs) .. would they turn away someone who looks like a quarterback? It's not safety
Load More Replies...Why do guys go to pool parties? You’re saying they look good in a bikini?
Load More Replies...This shows once again that sometimes civilisation doesn't mean that people are civilised. It's absurd that people can get refused service based on their appearance.
Happens everywhere. & it wouldn't work if humans weren't inherently prone to the beauty bias. For example, certain high-end restaurants will seat the more attractive patrons near the window etc.
Load More Replies...It's Miami, so I'm not surprised. Plenty of parties and clubs down there only welcome people with a certain look.
Everything about Miami is shallow and superficial. I can't stand that place.
Load More Replies...Nightclubs have been similar to this for years - you stand significantly less of a chance to get in if you're a man, and close to zero chance of getting in if you're not conventionally attractive. I agree it shouldn't be this way, but why do we only care now?
Once I went partying with my co-workers. Later at night people were splitting in groups but we decided to meet in a nightclub. Two gorgeous women didn't get in because they were +40 (I was a bit under 40 at the time) We only learned this the next day (I thought they decided to go somewhere else), otherwise the whole crew would have left the place.
Load More Replies...I’ll start. MAYBE DON’T GO ON A PARTY BUS IN THE HEIGHT OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC IN THE ONE PLACE IN THE ENTIRE WORKD WITH THE MOST CASES!
Load More Replies...Door policies at clubs have always been unfathomable BS. Some door staff enjoy their little bit of power and use it to the max. Back in the 80s I once had to wait for 10mins while two door staff argued with each other whether my footwear constituted trainers (sneakers) or just sporty looking shoes. The secret of telling people’s likely behaviour on the basis of their footwear is a apparently a mystery known only to these people and passed down from parent to child, etc.
I've always thought that if I am in a fight, better to be kicked by someone wearing trainers than boots....but that's just me...
Load More Replies...Pretty awful. Should it be illegal? I'm all for a law against people being rude f*****g dickheads but I'm not sure if that would work. Maybe more to the point is denying a service to someone for no good reason. Shouldn't be allowed. She's bigger but not big like she's had a documentary made about her where they have to remove a wall to get her out of the house. No good reason. Just blatent misogyny really. "I'm sorry. You don't conform to (some) men's ideal of how you should look." They say while a man twice her size is allowed. Pretty shitty.
I don't like the use of these terms "Plus Sized" and "Big" they normalize a condition that is not healthy. That being said I'm VERY FAT but thats should bother only myself, If im ok with it Its what matters. You dont like It? You have the right to not like It but dont interfere with my life.
Same here. I know I'm overweight. I don't sugarcoat it and I'm working my ass off to get to a healthy weight. This girl is not 'thick' she is morbidly obese. Please please stop doing this. No one is doing her any favors by saying so.
Load More Replies...Never been to an establishment that does this and honestly sounds like a terrible time. A bunch of people so full of themselves and alcohol would be an absolute nightmare. Never would have occurred to me to seek out clubs or services that discriminate based on appearance. I mean honestly, the last thing I care about when I am going out to party is what the other people at the club look like or what they are doing. Kind of always thought this was something that happens in the movies. Not much for nightclubs either way, the ones in my town have the absolute worst drinks. Guess it depends on what you are looking for, my first priority has always been how good the drinks are.
Oooohhhh. Very pertinent question! You're right. The article did not state if that was the case.
Load More Replies...This must have been so humiliating for her. Imagine being turned away because of the way you look! As an aside (and not that it matters), this girl looks amazing!
I find it odd that she clearly read the policy when purchasing tickets, chose to purchase the tickets anyways, and then showed up, hoping to be the exception. Instead of immediately saying "Hey, look at this horrible policy I just found" and not giving them any of her money to support their business.
Load More Replies...Were big males allowed on? It's not a woman's job to be a visually perfect party accessory
Terrible! This goes on everywhere. I know many stores, trying to portray as "trendy." These stores carry no sizes over a Large, if they even carry that. It is a more subtle discrimination. Now, some of these same stored offer larger or plus sizes, but online only. And these party bus type places are just trying to mimic a more then yr old model of Studio 54 success and exclusivity. I exclude them from my wallet.
There is no reason to exclude anyone from either of these things based on body size/type. Excluding a woman (specifically women, not men) for this reason should be illegal. In fact, because of the clear gender bias, maybe it is.
But you’re cool men have to pay more, right? It’s not that the entire thing is disgusting as f**k...?
Load More Replies...1. Shes hot!! 2. Her mistake was going to Miami that cesspool garbage city should be wiped off the map!!!
I think she went to the club to have a fun time with her friends and not to attract 'boyz'.
Load More Replies...How about everyone paying the same price?!
Load More Replies...I'm tall and curvy, so I weigh a decent amount for a woman, definitely considered plus sized, but not for a human. I weight less then your average pro quarterback (225lbs) .. would they turn away someone who looks like a quarterback? It's not safety
Load More Replies...Why do guys go to pool parties? You’re saying they look good in a bikini?
Load More Replies...
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