Police investigate attack at Club Royalz in Manukau

Police are investigating allegations on both sides of the dispute between Falencie Filipo and three nightclub bouncers. Photo / File

A transgender woman is alleging that club bouncers attacked her so viciously she had to be hospitalised - but police say they are investigating allegations on both sides of the dispute.

Police are investigating the attack, which bystanders say involved "three grown men" holding Falencie Filipo down and punching her, before throwing her down stairs at Club Royalz in Manukau.

However, police are also investigating allegations of violence from Ms Filipo.

A photo of the woman with a bruised face, swollen and bloodied lips and lying in a hospital bed has been shared hundreds of times on Facebook, attracting thousands of reactions from other club-goers and members of the LGBT community.

"Club Royals is the worst place to go to if your a t girl yeah this is how they will treat you no care in the world [sic]," the post said.

The term 't girl' refers to a transgender woman.

On her public Facebook profile, Ms Filipo also wrote: "When does it get better? How many hate crimes must we endure? How many lives must we lose? I can only do so much for my community so I ask....WHEN?"

Ms Filipo is a well known figure in the Pasifika LGBT community.

A police spokeswoman said the incident was under investigation.

"I can confirm police are investigating an incident at the Club Royalz bar in Manukau which occurred on Sunday morning. Police were called to the address at around 1.25am after reports of disorder.

"Police have received conflicting reports as to what has happened at the bar prior to and at the time of the reported disorder including allegations of offending by both Falencie Filipo and bar staff."

On its own Facebook page, Club Royalz released the following statement:

"This is a formal announcement acknowledging the recent incident that took place within the Club Royalz premises. The outbreak of this havoc is currently undergoing a serious investigation and will most definitely be settled in a rightful manner."

That post has in turn attracted strong reactions from other club patrons who were either supporting Ms Filipo or the club.

Pati Tyrell was amongst those taking to the club's Facebook page to share his view. He said, "Club Royals, where force equates to 3 grown men holding down a trans woman to throw punches at her before throwing her down stairs [sic]."

Ms Filipo and Club Royalz were both contacted by the Herald and their responses will be added to this story when received.