The FBI has launched an investigation into bomb threats at Planet Fitness locations in multiple states over the past few months, following a social media campaign promoting a boycott of the chain led by the Libs of TikTok group.
The threats have come from right-wing extremists angered by the gym's inclusive policy towards transgendered people. Specifically Planet Fitness allows members to use the locker rooms and bathroom facilities that align with their gender identity.
According to the Advocate, the threats were primarily reported through emails, and in some cases, phone calls. The threats targeted locations in from Alaska to Virginia and elsewhere.
Media Matters for America reported that at least 38 Planet Fitness locations have faced bomb threats.
The threats are believed to be related to an incident that went viral when Planet Fitness revoked the membership of a woman who took a photo of a naked transgender woman in a women's locker room at one of the chain's locations in Fairbanks, Alaska.
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The woman, Patricia Silva, narrated the video, saying the person who identified as "queer LBG" was shaving in the female locker room.
Planet Fitness confirmed to Fox News that the woman who shot the video had her membership revoked for violating a policy that prohibits taking photos and/or video in the locker room.
“As the home of the Judgement Free Zone, Planet Fitness is committed to creating an inclusive environment,” Planet Fitness chief corporate affairs officer McCall Gosselin said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “Our gender identity non-discrimination policy, states that members and guests may use the gym facilities that best align with their sincere, self-reported gender identity. The member who posted on social media violated our mobile device policy that prohibits taking photos of individuals in the locker room, which resulted in their membership being terminated.”
Media Matters noted that right-wing media outlets quickly amplified the initial post about Planet Fitness’s policy, contributing to a significant increase in hostile actions against the gym chain.
Libs of TikTok cited a Daily Mail story to claim that the account's activism had resulted in a $400 million loss in value for the gym. Right-wing media took their cue from LoTT, peppering in further anti-trans rhetoric and sometimes invoking the backlash that followed Bud Light's partnership with trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney as they repeated the story across cable news, online outlets, and podcasts.
