Tesco security guard threw mom out for wearing a flimsy top. When she came back from her car in a minute, he knew he couldn't stop her

With the UK sweating through a rare, suffocating heatwave, families across the country have spent the week doing just about anything to stay cool. For 31-year-old mother of three, Alixe Galatis, that meant dressing down in a light, backless halter top for a routine afternoon grocery run with her young children. But what should've been a quick and easy task in Essex's local Tesco turned into a public ordeal after she was confronted by a male security guard for a bizarre reason, as reported by the New York Post on 8 July, 2026. 

Confrontation at the entrance

As Galatis reached for a self-service shopping scanner, a male security guard blocked her path. Rather than allowing her to proceed, the guard informed the stay-at-home mother she was not permitted to shop in the store. "You’re not allowed in here," he told her. However, it wasn't because the store was closed or that she wasn't paying, but rather because of her choice of clothing. 

A bizarre reason

When Galatis pressed for an explanation regarding her clothes, the guard delivered a justification that left the woman stunned. He alleged that her backless top posed a severe security risk, claiming that a predator could easily walk up behind her, untie her top, and leave her completely exposed. "Again, I looked at him so confused because that’s something that I’ve never even thought of," she said. Although she tried to defend her outfit, pointing out other people were wearing shorts and camisoles, the guard refused to back down.

Compliance and public humiliation

Forced to leave the store to fulfill her grocery run, a humiliated Galatiz marched back to her car in the sweating heat. The only alternative clothing she had on hand was a thick, heavy gym hoodie. So, she decided to wrap that around her shoulders to comply with the guard's demands. She then re-entered the store sweating and deeply embarrassed, feeling entirely victim-blamed for a hypothetical crime. Despite that, she later revealed that the guard was looking at her with "disdain" and even shook his head as she completed her shopping. 

Apology and outrage

Following this ordeal, the incident sparked widespread outrage online as critics slammed the supermarket for overzealous policing of women's bodies. The public and media backlash prompted Tesco to launch an internal investigation and issue an apology to Galatis. "We are really sorry to hear about this experience. We want everyone to feel welcome in our stores, and this should not have happened," their spokesperson said. Nonetheless, while Tesco continues this investigation, this highlights a larger issue which is the safety of women in public spaces.

Safety remains a concern

About 64% women across the country have experienced sexual harrasment in a public space, according to a UN report. This number is far worse when it comes to younger women aged 18 to 24 with only 3% women confirming that they haven't experienced sexual harrasment. Full-time students are also highly affected by this with 93% students reporting being survivors of some form of sexual harassment. Despite this, instead of stopping the culprits people like this security guard is policing the victims like Galatis. 

Should worry about other things

Nonetheless, the people were furious when upon learning about the incident with them venting their frustration in the comment section of Derbyshire Live's post. Ashley Cholerton commented, "By that kind of thought, another shopper could pull someone’s trousers down or lift a skirt up. I’d be questioning the security guard as I bet no one else even considered the idea." Meanwhile, Malcolm Arthur wrote, "And folks thought the security guards were there to stop shoplifters, oh no, they don't bother about that anymore!"

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