A woman shared her experience after getting kicked out of her Pilates studio. The reason why she was kicked out? She asserts that it’s because she’s openly bisexual on social media. In a video with 3.1 million views, Elizabeth Beggs (@bunchesofbeggs) said she’s “99% sure that it’s because [she] came out.”
“I’m sharing this with you because I’m mad not for myself,” she said in her video. “I have so much privilege in our society. But for everyone else who’s having to deal with this [expletive] in 2025.”
How did they kick Beggs out of the pilates studio?
Beggs says she got a call from the Pilates studio that she was attending, only to find out that the class was canceled. Then, she found out it wasn’t actually canceled. They just told her that it was. The owner of the studio then apparently told Beggs, “Your values don’t align with our studio,” over a phone call. They further clarified, “We are a safe space. We are a welcoming space… It’s sacred here. I don’t think you would make other people comfortable.”
Beggs asked for clarification as to what on her social media led to her being outed from the studio. However, the owner refused to clarify to her.
The only thing that Beggs could think of that changed with her social media was that she recently came out.
The Pilates studio’s statement regarding online backlash
TikTok commenters quickly identified the studio that Beggs was discussing as Exquisite House Pilates. It is a Midlothian, Virginia, establishment, which is owned by Heather Shaw. The studio made a statement after receiving criticism for its actions.
In the post, which was further edited on June 12, the studio states: “At Exquisite House, we’ve always believed in cultivating a space that is grounded in integrity, personalized care, and wellness for all.
Recently, we’ve faced a wave of online attention that misrepresents who we are and what we stand for. We’re heartbroken by the narrative being shared and want to be clear: our doors are open to all people, and our decisions are always guided by mutual respect, safety, and fit—never by prejudice.
If you’ve experienced the heart and professionalism of our studio, we’d be deeply grateful if you’d take a moment to leave us a Facebook review. Your voice helps protect the spaces that have helped you heal, grow, and thrive.”
The company has made several posts on its Facebook account that further clarify its position. One post clearly written by Shaw states: “As a business owner, I don’t owe anyone an explanation to the world. I could’ve said more, trying to protect someone’s feelings instead of saying-‘I worked with an influencer for 11 months, I know thirsty for an audience.’”
There’s more
Shaw posted a conversation with a woman, Staci Hubbard, as another response to the controversy. In a series of screenshots, the business owner further clarifies that she didn’t want an influencer coming to her studio.
Shaw then claims in another post that she had been stalked and harassed since Beggs’ video was posted. The studio has turned off commenting on Instagram to limit social media interactions and blocked certain users from commenting.
There are still comments that hint at the controversy on the studio’s social media feed. Robbin Gheesling, one person who watched Beggs’ video, commented: “Are you sure? They’ve got a pride flag for their logo…” on a repost from June 10 regarding a collaborative event with the Richmond Symphony. In celebrating Pride Month, the Richmond Symphony currently has a pride logo, leading to Gheesling’s jesting reply.
Commenters on Beggs’ original TikTok referred to the Instagram response and further Facebook screenshots as “vague.” This is despite possibly clarifying Shaw’s reasoning for why she kicked Beggs out.
@PrincessBelle wrote: “Apparently it’s because [she’s] an influencer and was ‘attention seeking’ in class and ‘inauthentic’ because [she] wouldn’t answer questions about where she’s from to the owner’s liking.”
Could Beggs file a discrimination complaint against the studio?
It would be difficult for Beggs to file a discrimination complaint against the studio. Virginia law establishes that a person cannot be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, employment, housing, educational institutions, and public accommodations. A Pilates studio can be considered a public accommodation. Other businesses like theaters, restaurants and retail stores are within that category.
If Beggs wanted to, she could file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights. It investigates “complaints of discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, and disability.”
The difficulty would be proving the claim that she was kicked out as a result of her sexual orientation. Because she made a phone call and most likely no written evidence, it wouldn’t be an easy complaint to prove.
@bunchesofbeggs Edit- I’ve now been disqualified from the creator fund due to her mass reporting me harassment.Edit- I am very intentionally not sharing the name because this was my experience alone, and I hope I am wrong but I have asked twice if this was the reason and they will not answer. If you figure out who is about PLEASE do not leave a review unless you have your own person experience. I am not going to share the name of the studio or location and I cannot be 100% it’s because I “came out” but my heart is broken for so many ? #pilates #Pride #bisexual ♬ original sound – Elizabeth
Did the pilates studio have the right to cancel Beggs’ membership?
Legally, businesses can refuse service to anyone as long as the establishment isn’t directly discriminating, defaming, or intentionally harming the customer. Shaw’s claims that she is excluding Beggs based on her influencer status are technically a valid reason to cancel her membership.
If Beggs can prove that Shaw kicked her out based on sexual orientation, she could have grounds to take action. Otherwise, it would be difficult for her to have a case. There’s no direct evidence that Shaw discriminated against Beggs that’s been posted or revealed to the public.
Can the Pilates studio sue anyone involved in the story?
Considering the fact that Shaw claims there’s been harassment pointed toward the studio, it raises the question. Would there be any legal pathway for Exquisite House Pilates? It would be difficult to do so based on the current information available to the public.
Beggs, who originally posted the video, never directly mentioned the name of the Pilates studio. Other commenters discovered the studio on their own through quick internet sleuthing.
Beggs specifically asked her commenters not to harass the studio, stating, “If you figure out who is about PLEASE do not leave a review unless you have your own (personal) experience. I am not going to share the name of the studio or location and I cannot be 100% it’s because I ‘came out,’ but my heart is broken for so many.”
The Mary Sue has reached out to Exquisite House Pilates and Beggs for further comment.
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
