Planet Fitness review: Formal complaint regarding discriminatory treatment, unjustified membership cancellation, and employee misconduct

Dear Management,

My name is Blanchard Yominmou with a membership ID: [protected].
Email: [protected]@gmail.com

I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding an extremely disturbing and unacceptable incident that occurred on November 6, 2026, at approximately 1:50 p.m. at your facility located at 441 Rockaway Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212. The incident involved two employees, including an individual who appeared to be the manager on duty, whose conduct toward me was disrespectful, intimidating, and completely unprofessional.

While working out, I attempted to disinfect one of the exercise machines I was about to use. A heavyset female employee or gym member (whose identity I would appreciate your assistance in establishing) aggressively shouted at me, saying, "Sir, don't spray on the machine. Spray on the paper," while displaying an extremely unpleasant and dismissive facial expression.

I calmly responded that I preferred to spray the disinfectant directly onto the machine and then use the paper towels to wipe it clean. Rather than respectfully explaining the gym's cleaning policy, she approached me with the same hostile attitude, seemingly determined to demonstrate how I should use the disinfectant. When I was not paying attention to her, she loudly shouted, "Helloooooo! This is how to use the spray!" I responded that I preferred to apply the spray directly to the machine.

I would also like to point out that I have been a member of this gym for over a year and have repeatedly witnessed numerous other members using the disinfectant in exactly the same manner I was attempting to use it. This raises a legitimate concern about why I was singled out and subjected to such hostile treatment when the same practice appears to be commonplace among other members.

What made the situation even more disturbing was the conduct of the individual who appeared to be the manager on duty. He witnessed the entire interaction but, instead of intervening professionally and attempting to de-escalate the situation, he suddenly came out from behind the counter, aggressively approached me, and shouted, "What did you say?"

I repeated that I simply preferred to spray the disinfectant directly onto the machine. He then responded, "You are done. Get the [censored] out of here!" He came extremely close to my face while aggressively demanding that I leave, creating an intimidating and threatening environment.

I reminded him that I was an active, paying member of the gym and asked him to show me where, in my membership agreement, it stated that I was prohibited from applying disinfectant directly to the equipment. Rather than providing an explanation or addressing my concern professionally, he resorted to intimidation and threats.

When he realized that his aggressive approach was not intimidating me into submission, he took out his phone and began calling someone, repeatedly demanding that the person come to the gym immediately. Throughout this time, he continued making threats and pacing back and forth behind the counter while watching me.

Despite his behavior, I did not engage in any physical confrontation, threaten anyone, or cause any disruption to other members. I simply continued my work out until I was ready to leave.

Even as I was leaving, the manager continued provoking me through his intimidating behavior and persistent staring. I eventually told him that I was not someone he could bully or intimidate. He responded by saying, "You are cancelled." I immediately challenged that decision, explaining that I could not understand how my membership could be cancelled simply because I stood up for myself and refused to be bullied.

He again demanded that I leave the facility. I eventually left, and within minutes, I received an email notifying me that my membership had been cancelled.

I find this entire situation deeply troubling. I strongly believe that I was unfairly singled out and discriminated against because I am a foreigner with an accent. Based on the manner in which I was treated, I am also concerned that racial or national-origin bias may have played a role in this incident. I believe the circumstances warrant a thorough and impartial investigation.

It is unacceptable that, after maintaining my membership for over a year, consistently paying my membership fees on time, and conducting myself as a regular member, I would be subjected to such treatment and have my membership abruptly terminated without a fair explanation or opportunity to address the alleged violation.

Furthermore, my membership was cancelled without my consent, and I have not received a refund for the fees I paid. I did not physically threaten, harm, or endanger anyone, nor did I engage in any conduct that justified the aggressive treatment or the immediate termination of my membership.

I am formally requesting the following:

Immediate reinstatement of my membership without additional charges or penalties.
A full investigation into the conduct of both individuals involved in this incident, including the female individual who confronted me and the manager who aggressively approached and threatened me.
Appropriate disciplinary action against the employees involved if the investigation establishes misconduct, intimidation, discriminatory treatment, or violations of company policy.
A review of the circumstances surrounding my membership cancellation, including an explanation of the specific policy or contractual provision allegedly violated.
A full refund of any membership fees improperly retained if the gym refuses to reinstate my membership.
A review of potential discrimination based on my race, national origin, and accent, including why I was singled out for conduct that I have repeatedly observed other members engaging in without confrontation.
I also request that management preserve and review all surveillance footage from November 6, 2026, between approximately 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., particularly footage covering the exercise area, front desk, and the interaction involving the manager. This footage may provide an objective account of what happened.

I want to make it absolutely clear that I will not accept being bullied, intimidated, or discriminated against simply because I have an accent or come from another country. Every paying member deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect, regardless of their race, national origin, or background.

I joined this gym to exercise and maintain my physical well-being, not to be subjected to hostility, humiliation, intimidation, or discriminatory treatment by the very people responsible for maintaining a welcoming environment.

I expect this complaint to be taken seriously and addressed promptly. I am requesting a written response explaining the findings of your investigation and the corrective actions you intend to take.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to a fair and satisfactory resolution.

Sincerely,

A Concerned and Disrespected Member