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’.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
“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.
ADVERTISEMENT
“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.”
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
“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.
ADVERTISEMENT
“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
News
Met Office gives verdict on how Storm Boelo aftermath will affect Greater Manchester this week
Emily Sergeant
Storm Boelo is finally on his way out, and now the Met Office has given its verdict on what we can expect from the rest of the week.
In the aftermath of two successive storms, Storm Austen followed by Storm Boelo – the latter of which affected Greater Manchester – the UK is now able to begin recovering from the effects of the adverse weather.
But the Met Office has warned that, although there is no named storm, strong winds and heavy rain will continue to affect parts of the UK early this week, before high pressure brings calmer conditions.
Yellow national severe weather warnings are in place for parts of Scotland and western areas of the UK today (Tuesday 27 October), including areas of the North West, as gales and spells of rain bring the potential for ongoing disruption around the region, particularly on exposed coasts and higher ground.
“The continued winds could hamper recovery efforts in some places,” forecasters also unfortunately confirmed.
⚠️ Strong winds and heavy rain continue across parts of the UK early this week with a yellow weather warning in place, before high pressure brings calmer conditions for many from Wednesday ⛅
Read our news release to find out more 👇
https://t.co/EQU4vvaA3B https://t.co/hpvTd8v7EZ
As rest of the week pans out though, conditions will begin to settle down and showers are expected to become ‘less frequent’, while winds also ease for most, although gales could continue for a time in the far north.
Thursday is expected be ‘largely dry’ with lighter winds and variable cloud, with a touch of mist and fog likely across parts of England and Wales during the morning.
From Friday and into the weekend, light rain will team up to potentially affect northwestern areas of England, but for the most part, temperatures are expected to remain close to, or slightly above, average for the time of year.
“From Wednesday, high pressure will start to build which will ease the winds and bring a quieter and largely drier end to the week for many, although some rain is still possible in the North and West,” explained Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster, Steven Keates.
“However, with wind warnings in place, those in warnings areas, particularly in northern Scotland and western high ground, continue to be exposed to strong winds and heavy rain before the more settled weather arrives.”
Featured Image – The Manc Group
News
Popular pumpkin patch attraction describes ‘catastrophic’ impact of Storm Boelo
Daisy Jackson
Bates Farm, one of the most popular pumpkin patch attractions in the North West, has shared its heartbreak after Storm Boelo forced its closure on the busiest day of the season.
The Warrington-based family farm said the financial impact has been ‘honestly catastrophic’, after they had to cancel all tickets for Sunday.
Sisters Ali and Fiona Wilshaw, who run the farm, said it was simply not safe to allow members of the public onto the farm in the storm, with ‘crazy’ gusts of wind.
They later shared a video that showed their marquee was badly damaged and many footpaths turned to deep mud.
The sisters said they were ‘heartbroken’ to have to close at such a busy time, but stressed to followers that ‘your safety and our integrity will always come first’.
On Saturday, as Storm Austen and Storm Boelo chased each other across the UK, several people shared videos of themselves getting battered by the weather at Bates Farm.
And it’s pretty clear from that why Ali and Fi decided to cancel all tickets and close for the day on Sunday.
They wrote: “We have put in so much love, energy and investment putting on this event at this scale. The cost to cancel and refund everyone today on our busiest day of the season is honestly catastrophic, but business aside, your safety and our integrity will always come first.
“To think last night we were running round Tesco trying to stock up on milk and now we are in the depths of recovering the site to go again tomorrow. All emails and enquiries are being responded to as quickly as possible and we are doing our best to open up more available slots next week.
“We are being tested like never before, but pulling together in true force. Huge shout out to the whole team and Farmer Fi the absolute queen in any crisis.
“Thank you all for your patience and especially thank you to those who have sent such kind words and support, we are so grateful to have customers like you.
“We will be back tomorrow to enjoy the remaining of this tough season, we are putting in so many provisions with wood chip paths, undercover seating and an indoor barn to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. Ali & Fi.”
Anyone who had tickets to visit Bates Farm on Sunday will be refunded, and can book in for another date.
Bates Farm has safely reopened its autumnal experience and pumpkin patch today.
Daisy Jackson -
2nd February 2022 
