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Autistic Man Called “Stupid” By Gym Staff Teaches Himself Law, Sues The Company And Wins
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Autistic Man Called “Stupid” By Gym Staff Teaches Himself Law, Sues The Company And Wins

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When Ketan Aggarwal, a 30-year-old Londoner with autism, was ridiculed by a spin class instructor at his local Virgin Active gym, he decided to take retribution into his own hands. After spending 2 years teaching himself law with the help of library books and online resources, he took Virgin Active to court – and won.

In a distressing May 2015 incident, Aggarwal was reportedly called ‘stupid’ multiple times by the accused gym staff member during a spin class, and was rudely berated for requesting a change of music. He made an official complaint, but was ignored, which led him to file a legal claim. Representing himself in court, he ended up victorious, and was awarded £1,390 as well as a written apology from Virgin Active. The instructor was dismissed from his job at the gym.

“When someone discriminates [against] someone with a mental disability, they don’t think they are going to pick up law, submit a legal claim and then successfully argue it in a court of law,” Aggarwal publicly stated. “It felt amazing to win.”

RELATED:

    This is Ketan Aggarwal, an autistic man who was repeatedly called ‘stupid’ by a gym instructor

    Image credits: Ketan Aggarwal

    The 30 y/o Londoner decided to sue Virgin Active after his complaint to the gym was ignored

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    Image credits: Ketan Aggarwal

    He spent 2 years teaching himself law, with the help of library books and online resources

    Image credits: Peter Stack

    Representing himself in court, Aggarwal proved that he had been discriminated against

    Image credits: Unknown

    In a sweeping victory, Virgin Active was ordered to pay him a total of £1,390 in compensation

    Image credits: Ketan Aggarwal

    They were also ordered to issue a written apology, all Aggarwal really ever wanted

    Image credits: Google Maps

    “It wasn’t about the money…” he publicly stated, but added that “it felt amazing to win”

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    Image credits: Ketan Aggarwal

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    Stella

    Stella

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    Nancy E
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The instructor deserved to be dismissed . Whatever the handicap, it makes life more difficult for those that have it. Help should always be available to those that need or want it. Handicapped individuals deserve respect & should be listened to. This young man get 'High Fives"

    Rowan James
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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    SusanS
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good for him! Should NEVER have come to a suit though. For shame Virgin Active, for shame.

    Load More Comments
    Nancy E
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The instructor deserved to be dismissed . Whatever the handicap, it makes life more difficult for those that have it. Help should always be available to those that need or want it. Handicapped individuals deserve respect & should be listened to. This young man get 'High Fives"

    Rowan James
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Load More Replies...
    SusanS
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good for him! Should NEVER have come to a suit though. For shame Virgin Active, for shame.

    Load More Comments
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