SINGAPORE: A 29-year-old Singaporean man, known as u/SajertheForgotten on Reddit, has come forward with allegations of inappropriate behaviour by a staff member at a Saizeriya outlet and has said online that the encounter has left him shaken and deeply disturbed.
The victim said he visited a Saizeriya outlet yesterday (21 July) to satisfy his craving for pasta and enjoy a leisurely lunch. After making eye contact with one of the staff members, he kindly nodded as a friendly gesture.
Moments later, the staff member approached his table, leaned in, and made an inappropriate comment, saying, “You have a nice bulge, wanna be friends?” Although the victim initially brushed it off as an awkward attempt at making friends, he became increasingly uncomfortable when the staff member repeated the remark.
The situation escalated during the victim’s subsequent visit to the restroom approximately half an hour later. As he was using the urinal, the same staff member appeared beside him, now without a mask.
In an incredibly intrusive manner, the staff member proceeded to ask about the victim’s genital length and even leaned over to inspect it throughout the duration of his urination. The victim felt violated and realized that he was indeed experiencing s*xual harassment.
Disturbed by the incidents, the victim approached the store manager to report the inappropriate behaviour. However, the manager apparently downplayed the seriousness of the issue, dismissing the staff’s behaviour as mere curiosity.
The victim, who had expressed his concerns for the safety of other customers, continued to assertively stress the gravity of the situation to the manager. He wrote on Reddit: “There are schoolkids who frequent Saizeriya, what if someone much younger than myself was also approached by that staff?”
Despite his efforts, the manager’s response remained lacklustre, and he failed to apologise for the distressing incident. Unsatisfied with the manager’s handling of the matter, the victim reached out to Saizeriya’s corporate number to escalate the issue further.
Fortunately, the corporate representative who received the victim’s call was more understanding and empathetic. Expressing concern and shock at the incident, the representative promised to inform the area manager, review the CCTV footage (despite the absence of cameras in the restroom), and swiftly follow up with the victim.
Singaporeans online have expressed support for the victim and criticized the store manager’s initial handling of the situation. Customers and netizens are urging Saizeriya to immediately address the incident and ensure a safe environment for all patrons.
S*xual harassment is a grave issue that requires swift action and a commitment to providing a safe environment for all patrons at any establishment. The young man involved in the incident hopes that sharing his ordeal will encourage others to speak up against inappropriate behaviour and foster an environment of respect and safety for everyone.
The Independent Singapore has approached Saizeriya for comment.