Birmingham TikTok Influencer Loses Gym Membership After Confrontation
Janae Rochelle, a Birmingham-based social media personality with a substantial following of 1.3 million on TikTok under the username CurvyBlackWitch, has been permanently banned from her local gym following a contentious dispute with another member. The incident, which occurred on February 13, has sparked considerable discussion online and in the local community.
The Incident at The Gym Group in Quinton
The altercation took place at The Gym Group located on Hagley Road in Quinton, a facility where Janae had been a member since 2018. According to the 37-year-old influencer, the conflict began when she was allegedly "barged into" by a stranger while taking pictures in the changing room. Janae, who uses her platform to blend comedy with themes of empowerment and body positivity, stated that the encounter quickly escalated into a verbal argument.
During the exchange, Janae claims she was subjected to derogatory comments, including being called "vain" and told that she "didn't look good." In response, she admitted to using offensive language and making inappropriate gestures, including giving the other person the middle finger. Janae emphasized that her photography was not motivated by vanity but rather to document her fitness journey and inspire other women through her TikTok content.
Gym's Response and Membership Termination
Following the incident, The Gym Group conducted an investigation and subsequently terminated Janae's membership via email. The correspondence cited "offensive and threatening behaviour" as the reason for the ban, stating that her actions were "in direct conflict with our membership rules and dignity at the gym policy." The email explicitly noted that the behaviour occurred "on the gym floor towards another member in the presence of other gym users and staff members," and confirmed that she would be unable to rejoin that specific location.
A spokesperson for The Gym Group reiterated their commitment to maintaining welcoming and inclusive environments, emphasizing their policy against any abusive, threatening, or intimidating behaviour. They assured that all investigations into rule breaches are conducted fairly and objectively.
Janae's Perspective and Community Support
Janae has publicly acknowledged her role in the dispute, stating, "I'm not going to lie about the CCTV footage which will show me shouting, I know what I did." However, she maintains that she was provoked and was merely defending herself against disrespectful comments. She argued, "Freedom of speech does not mean freedom without consequence. If you're going to disrespect me, I'm going to be ten times louder."
The influencer expressed frustration that the other gym user involved was not banned, describing herself as the "true victim" who has lost her gym membership as a result. Since the incident, Janae has received numerous positive character statements from fellow gym-goers who know her personally. She lamented that the altercation ruined her day and workout, but stood by her actions as a necessary defense of her character.
This case highlights the intersection of social media influence, personal conduct in public spaces, and the enforcement of community guidelines within fitness facilities. As Janae continues to share her fitness journey with her massive online audience, the repercussions of this gym ban serve as a reminder of the real-world consequences that can arise from conflicts in shared environments.
