Trans M&S worker targeted by anti-trans activists after offering help in lingerie section

Marks & Spencer has "apologised" after a mother complained about her teen daughter being offered assistance in the lingerie section by a trans employee.

The incident involved a trans woman working across various departments who politely asked a mother and her teenage daughter if they needed help. The mother later described the employee as a "biological male" and claimed the interaction was inappropriate, despite the employee not being involved in bra fittings or physical contact.

In response to the complaint, M&S issued an apology to the customer and offered to ensure her daughter would be assisted by a female colleague in future visits. However, the retailer also reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and support for its staff, stating: “We want our stores to be inclusive and welcoming places for our colleagues and customers.

"Our colleagues typically work across all departments, and customers can always ask to speak to the colleague they feel most comfortable with.”

Trans rights groups and activists have condemned the targeting of the employee, noting that such incidents contribute to a hostile environment for trans individuals, especially those in public-facing roles.

Replying to JK Rowling, who of course got involved, on X, trans activist India Willoughby said: "The poor M&S woman did absolutely nothing wrong, and is distraught. But TERF Twitter don’t care about that.

"Vicious and nasty. M&S has also hung her out to dry by apologising. Imagine if this was 1984, and M&S were apologising because a woman and her teen daughter had been approached by a lesbian member of staff?"

Critics of the mother’s complaint have also pointed to data showing that trans women are overwhelmingly not responsible for incidents of harassment in public spaces. A 2022 report from the Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre found that 98% of sexual assault arrests involved cisgender men.