Gym boss accused of saying woman should be 'raped' for failing to turn up to class

Staff at the gym say they are struggling in the 'toxic' work environment. Photo / Instagram

A gym boss is under investigation over allegations he said a woman should be "raped" for not turning up to a fitness class.

Senior instructor Ross Brain is accused of sending offensive messages to a work WhatsApp group at Edinburgh University's Sport & Exercise club in Scotland.

He is alleged to have sent the sick gibe to the group just before Christmas.

Colleagues are understood to have been discussing possible forfeits to be imposed on the woman who signed up to a six-week exercise course but failed to show that morning.

A message that appears to have been sent by Mr Brain stated: "Let's rape her. Or give her the choice of 600 burpees or rape."

When junior staff in the group, mostly female, ignored the rape comment, a further message, purportedly sent from Mr Brain's account, said: "No-one up for this then?"

SICK GIBE

Concerned staff reported the messages to the university's HR department in January but were left unaware of any action being taken.

A source at the gym said: "It's like they're trying to brush it under the rug.

"People are feeling let down.

"The university is loud and proud about its zero tolerance policies, but a lot of people want action on this — they feel abandoned."

Staff are now struggling in a "toxic" environment with no faith in protocols if they report misogynistic or inappropriate behaviour, the Edinburgh Evening News reports.

LET DOWN

The gym source added: "Staff were told there'd be an investigation in January and have heard no more.

"There are offhand sexist remarks, particularly working in the fitness industry, that are leftover attitudes that haven't made their way out yet.

"One senior manager apparently told female members of staff they must wear tight leggings because 'it looks more professional'."

A University of Edinburgh spokesperson said: "We take incidents such as this very seriously — the use of such language is abhorrent and has no place in this university."