A Wisconsin man is suing Crunch Fitness, claiming he was unfairly removed from a Madison location due to his support for Donald Trump. Michael Green, 42, filed a federal lawsuit against Fitness Ventures, LLC, the franchisee of Crunch Fitness, alleging discrimination based on his political views and support for Trump.
Green asserts that his removal from the gym on March 30 stemmed from him wearing a “Trump 2024” hat, a piece of attire he says led to stares and tensions with staff and fellow members. He is seeking $75,000 in damages for what he describes as discriminatory treatment under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. According to Green, the incident was more about his political beliefs than any disruption he allegedly caused.
In his lawsuit, Green claims the gym staff accused him of being “aggressive” towards other members. He disputes this claim, saying he was simply trying to use the shower after a workout and was denied. He further states that, upon leaving the locker room, he was met by several police officers who told him he had to leave.
According to Green’s version of events, the officers initially escorted him out but then left the scene when he called to retrieve his belongings. When he returned to collect his items, Green says the situation escalated after a conversation with a gym staff member, which included complaints about the gym’s music. Green alleges the staff member made offensive comments, which led him to respond with a homophobic slur.
However, an incident report from the Madison Police Department paints a different picture. The report states that Green had caused a disturbance by screaming and cursing at other gym-goers over access to exercise equipment. The report also notes that only two officers responded to the call and that Green was escorted out without incident.
Green claims the issue is not just a personal dispute but part of a broader cultural divide in the area. In his complaint, he describes Dane County as “extremely liberal” and claims that local residents are biased against right-wing individuals. He also suggests that his status as a Black Trump supporter may have further fueled the discrimination he experienced.
This case adds to a growing number of incidents where individuals wearing Trump-related apparel have faced backlash. Recent examples include a woman in Indianapolis who was kicked out of a bar for wearing a MAGA hat and an altercation between two women on a British Airways flight over a Trump hat. However, there are also instances where Trump supporters have had positive interactions, such as former NFL player Le’Veon Bell claiming to have avoided a speeding ticket due to his MAGA hat.
Green’s lawsuit has sparked debate over political expression and its role in public spaces. Although Crunch Fitness has not commented on the case, Green’s complaint reflects his belief that his political stance, rather than any disruptive behavior, led to his removal from the gym. He concludes his complaint by stating that the issue reflects broader political divisions in the community, not just at Crunch Fitness.
