HOLLYWOOD, CA – In response to a series of menacing messages attributed to a gym member, Hollywood Boulders gym has introduced stringent security measures to safeguard its patrons and staff. While the individual behind the threats did not explicitly mention the gym, it was strongly suspected that Hollywood Boulders was the intended target, prompting concerns about the safety of Southern California’s fitness centers.
Upon discovering the unsettling messages on October 22, gym management promptly contacted local law enforcement. After a thorough examination of the text content, authorities concluded that the threats did not pose an immediate danger to the gym. Subsequently, the police advised against raising alarm among the gym’s staff and the community. Touchstone management, the parent company of Hollywood Boulders, sought a restraining order against the implicated member but encountered legal constraints that prevented its issuance. As an alternative, the individual’s membership was revoked, and a blanket ban from all Touchstone gyms was enforced.
In a proactive measure to bolster security, security personnel have been enlisted to oversee all Southern California gym facilities. It is worth noting that the gym staff was only apprised of the threats on October 25, in accordance with the guidance provided by law enforcement. This delayed disclosure has raised concerns among some employees who feel that their right to informed consent was compromised.
In response to these apprehensions, Touchstone management has committed to collaborating with the staff to address their demands. These demands encompass establishing communication with the involved member through mental health professionals in an emergency context, pursuing legal actions against the individual, installing comprehensive security systems to enhance safety, ensuring transparency concerning any potential future threats, and considering back-pay or hazard pay for the days during which staff safety was jeopardized.
Meanwhile, gym members were left in the dark regarding the situation, with several expressing their confusion and apprehension on various online platforms. The revelation of the threats led to the departure of certain staff members, and a number have resigned in the aftermath. Hollywood Boulders gym has since resumed its operations, now fortified with heightened security measures.
Touchstone’s CEO, in a statement addressed to the gym’s members, emphasized the extensive efforts made to ascertain the veracity of the situation, cooperate with law enforcement, and prioritize the safety of both staff and clientele. The company has unequivocally pledged its commitment to working closely with its employees to redress their concerns and cultivate a secure working environment.
