Vue cinema apologises after friends 'are turned away by security guard because they were not a Muslim family celebrating Eid'

Leon Jennings visited Birmingham's Star City complex with two friends



Claims security guard said film showings at Vue were only for Muslims

Allegedly told his group that they 'did not look like they celebrated Eid'

Venue based in Aston area of city, where 87% residents are non-white

Vue is investigating and 'sincerely apologises for inconvenience caused'

Star City management claim 'there is no truth in the recent allegations'



'We thought it was a joke': Leon Jennings, 22, was allegedly turned away from a Vue cinema because he was not a Muslim celebrating Eid

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A sales consultant was allegedly turned away from a busy cinema yesterday because he was not a Muslim celebrating Eid.

Leon Jennings had been visiting Birmingham’s Star City entertainment complex with two friends.

But as the 22-year-old tried to enter the Vue cinema based on the site, which includes dozens or bars and restaurants, he said he was turned away by a security guard.

After asking them why, Mr Jennings claimed he was told by staff that film showings were only for couples and families celebrating the end of the Muslim festival.

Mr Jennings and his three friends were allegedly forced to turn around and go home unable to watch a film at the complex, because ‘they did not look like they celebrated Eid’.

Today he said he was left feeling embarrassed by the incident and felt discriminated against for being white.

The revelation has caused outrage as other visitors reported similar experiences across the venue, which is based in the Aston area of the city, where 87 per cent of residents are from an ethnic group other than white.

Mr Jennings, a viewing consultant at a photography studio, from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, said: ‘I was going there with my pals to the cinema as it’s Orange Wednesdays, so you get two for one.

‘As we drove in the bloke on the gate said to use “not tonight guys, it’s couples and families only”. We thought he was just joking and went and parked up.

Location: The group been visiting Birmingham's Star City entertainment complex to watch a film yesterday

‘We tried to get into the cinema and the security guy stopped us from going in. He said we couldn’t go in because it was only couples and families celebrating Eid.

‘I tried to point out that there were loads of group of lads who were Asian being allowed in but that made no difference.

‘Thinking back we should have fought our ground more but at the time we were just shocked at what had happened. He said to us we didn’t look like we were celebrating Eid.

‘He was making assumptions about my religion and banning me based on my skin colour. It’s not like we are trouble makers - we are mature, all dressed respectably and just wanted to go see a film.

‘It will just be seen as blatant racism. You have to admit that if it was done for any other celebration, like Christmas or anything, there would be uproar.

‘I also know about the festival, and it is supposed to be a festival of togetherness and welcoming - no one should be turned away. The only thing this is going to cause is problems in the communities.



Claim: Mr Jennings and his three friends were allegedly forced to turn around and go home unable to watch a film at the complex, because 'they did not look like they celebrated Eid'

‘Everyone I have spoken to about it is shocked that they could let this happen, and it seems to have happened to more people as well.’

Other people reported similar experiences yesterday - which marked the end of Ramadan, when Muslims fast for a month.

'Thinking back we should have fought our ground more but at the time we were just shocked at what had happened. [The security guy] said to us we didn't look like we were celebrating Eid' Leon Jennings

Housing worker Emma Noakes said on Facebook: ‘My friend’s family have just been refused entry at Vue cinema as they are not Muslim - this is a shocking disgrace.

‘If the shoe was on the other foot there would be uproar. Can you imagine banning all Muslims to star city because it’s Christmas?’

A spokesman for Vue cinemas said: ‘We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused to our guests who tried to gain access to our Birmingham Star City cinema.

‘As a company we welcome customers from all religious and cultural backgrounds. We are investigating this directly with the Star City management team as a matter of urgency.’

Fourteen years ago: The Star City complex was formally opened in July 2000 by actors Mark Wahlberg and George Clooney (pictured at the time) to coincide with the UK premiere of The Perfect Storm

A Star City spokesman said they were not aware of any of incidents of people being turned away on ground of religion taking place.

'We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused to our guests. We are investigating this directly with the Star City management team as a matter of urgency' Vue cinemas spokesman

Mark Wilson, centre manager at Star City said: ‘Star City is a family entertainment centre open to and enjoyed by all. Star City has enjoyed growing success in recent months and we have a proud record of community involvement.

‘Over the past few days Star City has been extremely busy and the volume of traffic has been very high, causing significant traffic congestion and delays in getting some visitors access into the centre.

‘During the busiest times some visitors have been turned away and there has been some disappointment for some, for which we apologise. However, there is simply no truth in the recent allegations - the nature of which have no place at Star City.’

The complex was formally opened in July 2000 by actors George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg to coincide with the UK premiere of The Perfect Storm.