Butlin’s holiday camp in Skegness has suspended two security guards following an incident at the Bang Face electronic music event on October 5, where it is alleged that the guards “violently dragged” a group of trans women from the women’s toilets.
The incident occurred during the two-day festival, and Butlin’s has since expressed disappointment in how the situation was handled. The company stated that the contracted security guards did not follow proper procedures. The guards were removed from the event, and an investigation is underway.
The removal of the guards has sparked controversy, with some supporting Butlin’s decision and others, including author J.K. Rowling, criticising the company’s actions.
Rowling, in particular, questioned the decision on social media, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “Does Butlin’s think the desire of cross-dressing men to enter women-only spaces is more important than women’s and girls’ right to privacy and dignity?” She called for clarity on Butlin’s policy, urging the company to explain its stance so families can make informed holiday decisions.
One event attendee, Jae Roberts, took to Instagram to describe the alleged incident. Roberts claimed that five trans women were forcibly removed from the toilets by security, explaining how they were “slammed against a wall and dragged downstairs.” Roberts intervened and was also allegedly dragged down a flight of stairs by two security guards.
According to their post, there was no physical provocation, and those in the toilets chanted, “Let them pee”, protesting the guards’ actions.
Roberts added that security escalated the situation unnecessarily by calling for reinforcements, with ten additional guards arriving before people were forcibly removed. Another social media user, Eilidh, stated that one of the five women involved was her friend and described the security guards’ actions as “sickening transphobic behaviour.”
Butlin’s has addressed the incident, responding to concerns raised on social media and confirming that they are in direct contact with the trans women involved.
A spokesperson for the company said in a statement to *Metro*: “We were very concerned to hear about this incident. Much to our disappointment, our third-party security contractor did not follow our processes despite being thoroughly briefed.”
The company clarified that the security guards’ suspension was due to how they handled the situation, not because of the gender identity of those involved. “Once we were made aware, they were immediately removed from duty for not handling the situation in line with our processes,” the spokesperson added. Butlin’s is currently reviewing its relationship with contractors and how they handle such incidents.
At this time, it remains unclear what Butlin’s official policy is regarding the use of women’s toilets by trans women. The company has not yet provided details on this aspect of the incident.
