Why is Joey Swoll facing a transphobia backlash after his gym locker room video? Exploring fitness influencer’s explosive remarks

Fitness influencer Joey Swoll is facing strong backlash online and is being accused of transphobia and misgendering a transgender person in a viral social media video. The controversy began last week, when Swoll posted a short video on X. In the clip, he discussed allegations involving a transgender individual at a gym in Canada, claiming the person behaved inappropriately inside a women’s locker room.

The video spread like fire on social media. While some users supported Swoll’s message about gym safety, others slammed his language. Many also accused him of being transphobic. The situation escalated further after Swoll posted a follow-up update days later, claiming the individual had been banned from gyms.

Joey Swoll’s post fuels online debate about transgender people sharing female locker rooms

In his original video, Joey Swoll described what he said was one of the most disturbing clips he had ever received. He claimed the transgender individual was filming explicit adult content inside a women’s locker room. According to Swoll, the person was also recording content on the gym floor. He questioned why someone could not simply work out respectfully and warned that minors also use shared gym facilities. Swoll said he searched the individual’s online profile and identified the gym as a GoodLife Fitness location in Canada.

Four days later, on December 21, 2025, Swoll shared an update on X. He stated that the person involved had been banned from all gyms. In the follow-up message, Swoll said he had contacted GoodLife Fitness directly. He explained that due to legal reasons, the company could not share specific disciplinary details. However, he claimed the response made it clear that such behavior results in a full ban. Swoll also said an anonymous gym employee confirmed the individual was no longer allowed to access the facility. He thanked the gym chain for taking action to protect members.

Swoll also encouraged people to report anyone filming sexual or adult content in public or shared spaces like gyms. He stressed that gyms should remain safe and respectful environments for everyone.

Despite this, many users focused on his choice of words and how he referred to that person. People argued that even if the allegations were true, his language crossed a line.

As of now, Joey Swoll has not publicly responded to the accusations of transphobia.

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