Protesters and counter-protesters clashed outside a Korean spa in Los Angeles after a customer complained in a viral video about a transgender woman who allegedly was allowed to disrobe in the women’s section of the upscale facility.
“This morning, LAPD was in the area of Wilshire and Rampart,” LAPD Detective Meghan Aguilar told news outlets on July 17 about the situation. “We were there to facilitate areas for two different protest groups. Around 11:10 [a.m.], there were clashes between the groups, and smoke bombs and projectiles were thrown at police officers. That prompted there to be an unlawful assembly declared. Everyone in the vicinity was told to leave the area. Most people did follow the instructions, although there were several dozen who ultimately ended up being arrested.”
During the incident, the LAPD apparently sent out an emergency alert telling people nearby to disperse.
The Wi Spa has been the site of a prior protest and clashes after the viral video was uploaded several weeks ago. In the clip, a woman, who some said is African American, is heard complaining to the Wi Spa’s staff that a biological male walked into the women’s section and exposed himself to girls. The customer reportedly identified himself as a transgender woman.
“He is a man,” the woman is heard saying. “He is not a female. There are girls down there, other women who are highly offended by what they just saw and you did nothing. You sided with him.”
At the time, the spa appeared to confirm the incident and defended its policy of allowing biological males who identify as female to use the women’s bathroom.
