Virat Kohli’s restaurant chain accused of discrimination against LGBTQIA+

New Delhi: India Test and ODI cricket team captain Virat Kohli, who is currently on rest to refresh himself after the T20 World Cup 2021, has come under attack from social media users over an unexpected controversy.

Kohli-owned a restaurant chain 'One8 Commune' was accused of being biased by the LGBTQIA+ activism group called ‘Yes, We Exist’ in a social media post.

According to the news going on social media, homosexuals are not being given entry in 'One8 Commune' restaurant. Gay men are being denied, while trans women, i.e, gay women, are being allowed subject to their clothing.

The group wrote in an Instagram post, "Virat Kohli you are probably not aware of this, but your restaurant @one8.commune in Pune discriminates against LGBTQIA+ guests. The other branches too have a similar policy. This is unexpected and unacceptable. Hope you make necessary changes asap."

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A post shared by Yes, We Exist (@yesweexistindia)

The company denied all the charges and issued a statement in an Instagram post.

The post read, "At one8 Commune, we believe in welcoming all people irrespective of their gender and/or preferences with utmost respect and honour. As our name denotes, we have always been inclusive in serving all communities since our inception."

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A post shared by one8 Commune (@one8.commune)

"Similar to industry wide practice and in conformity with government rules, we obviously have a prohibition of stag entry policy (subject to necessary relaxation) in place so as to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for our guests. That does not in any way mean that our company policy provides any discriminatory entry rules for/against any particular community." (UNI)