Manchester nightclub Cruz 101 has launched an investigation after a member of its staff shared a racist meme about Mason Greenwood.
The Princess Street gay nightclub stressed in a statement that it ‘does not condone any form of racism’.
In a now-deleted post, the person in question shared a meme comparing Manchester United’s Greenwood to George Floyd, alongside a caption that read: “Monkey see, monkey do.”
Greenwood, 20, was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault on Sunday and has since been released on bail.
After screenshots were shared on Twitter, the post has been labelled ‘abhorrent’ and ‘disgraceful’.
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Cruz 101 in Manchester’s Gay Village / Credit: Google Maps
One person said: “Bigotry has no place in our community, and all Black and non-Black POC should feel safe in LGBTQ+ venues.”
The staff member behind the post has now shared an apology, writing: “Last night, I posted an image that has caused serious offence to some of you on Instagram. For this I humbly apologise.
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“I was upset at the events covering this person – memories of what happened to me many years ago came flooding back – and I posted the image without any thought about what it could mean to some people.
“To those I replied to after the posting this I also apologise as I saw red and, as is my usual want, fired back without thought of how I’d offended you too.
“I now completely understand the meme I posted was racist. This wasn’t how I saw it at the time but having read people’s comments I now understand the offensiveness of what I posted.
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“I can only apologise for this, it’s a mistake I never thought I would make. I realise now how badly I’ve hurt some people and I fully regret it. There is no excuse, but I do not have a racist bone in my body and this would never have been posted if I wasn’t in such a state.
“I hope you will accept my humble apology and I will, in future count to ten before posting in response to something that had brought painful memories.”
The racist meme about Mason Greenwood has since be deleted / Credit: Manchester United
Cruz 101 wrote last night: “We are aware of the situation that is currently circulating on social media. Cruz 101 does not condone any form of racism, we are looking into this immediately and will provide a further update as soon as possible.”
They later added: “Further to our earlier statement we reiterate that we do not condone racist language or behaviour, and can confirm our investigation is continuing with assistance from our external HR consultants.
“A member of staff has been suspended to assist with the investigation and no further comment will be made during this process. Whilst we appreciate everyone’s frustration there is a process we must follow.”
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Since the comments were shared on Instagram, well-known drag artist and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Danny Beard, who is due to perform at Cruz 101 this weekend, has posted their own statement on Twitter.
They wrote: “I have personally challenged and tried to open up conversations with said person (as did many others) only for them to try and gaslight. And spin an alternative narrative.
(1/2) Further to our earlier statement we reiterate that we do not condone racist language or behaviour, and can confirm our investigation is continuing with assistance from our external HR consultants.
“I’ve spoken with Cruz 101 with regards to the posts as the matter couldn’t be delt with via the individual involved. And like all of you. I’m now waiting on a response from the venue on what will happen moving forwards.
“I’m hoping that we’ll see some positive action coming from this.
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“And more importantly some acceptance and understanding that what was posted was wrong. Racist. And unwelcome in our safe spaces.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race star Divina de Campo wrote: “The investigation for this would take all of 5 minutes. Has he written racist stuff on line? Yep. Is it damaging the business? Yep. Gross misconduct thanks ta-ra. Tada!”
Featured Image – Google Maps
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You can now have a private tour of Manchester Christmas Markets
Thomas Melia
Every year, Manchester Christmas Markets hosts its almost two-month long residency on the frosty streets of our lively city, but now you can enjoy the cute huts with an unbeatable luxury experience.
Travel agency, Viator, who are directly connected to TripAdvisor, have launched a one on one guided tour of Manchester and its stunning Manchester Christmas Marketsin all their glory.
This private tour of the festivities occurring in the city will last two hours and for the whole duration of your time, a city host will be on hand to offer undivided attention, catering to your every need.
A makeshift itinerary is already awaiting guests and can be tailored according to the individual taking the tour, everything is catered to your preferences.
Anyone who books onto the tour also receives a complimentary hot chocolate and that’s sweetened the deal for me, I’m sold.
How can you go wrong with these incredible options at Manchester Christmas Markets?You can recreate your very own gigantic cheese pull and your local host can snap a piccie.Scrumptious selection of food available as you venture through Manchester Christmas Markets in style.
There’s also the chance to keep your hands toasty with a free cup of mulled wine or a soft-drink for those who aren’t interested in the warm alcoholic beverage.
Manchester Christmas Markets are a phenomenal day or night-out regardless so this latest personalised opportunity will take your festive fantasies to a whole new level.
This private tour provides a one-of-a-kind exclusive treatment making your stroll down Manchester Cathedral, Exchange Square and Manchester Town Hall that little bit more special.
These tours are a great chance to immerse yourself in one of Manchester’s many selling points as you can choose to focus your time around art and culture, fashion, architecture or our personal favourite – food.
This exclusive tour package which highlights the best of Manchester Christmas Markets is definitely a present in itself with tickets costing a hefty sum of £100.
If you want to visit Manchester Christmas Markets while also living the high life with a private tour, ‘Christmas In Manchester: Private Experience With A City Host’ is running all the way until the huts shut shop on 22 December and tickets can be found here.
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
2nd February 2022 
