A mother expressed her frustration after being denied access to a concert because she had her baby with her.
Jasmine, along with her partner and their five-month-old, was heading to Melbourne’s The Forum in the CBD to see singer Angie McMahon when staff informed her she couldn’t attend with her baby. Even though her baby had headphones on, they suggested she return without the child on another night.
The singer, Angie McMahon, later expressed her disappointment, mentioning that having a baby in the audience wouldn’t have bothered her. She stated it was heartwarming to see newborns at previous shows and that she understands the challenges new mothers face.
Jasmine has taken action, contacting the Human Rights Equal Opportunity Commissioner and the Minister for Women and Creative Industries regarding the incident.
The Forum’s parent company, The Marriner Group, defended their decision, stating the event was licensed for general admission standing and offered Jasmine the option to attend the show on Friday without the baby.
This incident follows a similar one earlier this year when comedian Arj Barker asked a mother with a baby to leave his show at Melbourne’s Athanaeum Theatre. The mother felt humiliated by the incident, though some audience members supported Barker’s actions, stating he handled the situation politely.
