An NHS worker has vowed never to return to Leeds' O2 Academy after she claims she was “singled out” for having a hidden disability by its “horrible” on-site medic.
The epileptic woman went onto say she was “left in tears” after the medic allegedly called her a “liar” and told her daughter to “shut up”, after coming to her aid.
Charlotte Leveridge, 42, attended a Conan Gray concert at the city-centre venue with her daughter Eden-Billi, 16, who is an avid fan of the TikTok star. The pair were entering the venue at about 7pm on Friday (June 3) as doors opened via the disabled queue, when they got into a row with the medic.
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Academy Music Group, which owns O2 Academy, has said it will investigate Charlotte's complaints.
The Wakefield mum must take medication with her wherever she goes to combat her epileptic seizures. She also carries along a bottle of water which she says is vital, as daughter Eden drip feeds her with it during a seizure and it helps reduce them.
The mum claims she was “left in tears”, after the medic allegedly made a scene, and says the medic called Charlotte a “liar” and told her she couldn’t take in the medication, a pill of clobazam or her unopened water bottle.
Charlotte said: “I felt the medical team on the door singled me out due to my hidden disability and it was disgusting. I was so embarrassed and would have left if wasn’t for my daughter being so excited to see Conan. The whole experience left me in tears.”
The medic said Charlotte should give her the pill and she could call her over if she needed it, according to Charlotte. Charlotte pointed out this would prove challenging if she was experiencing a seizure.
'Liar...shut up'
The medic allegedly threw away Charlotte’s unopened bottle. Charlotte said: “I have partial seizures. If I don’t get a drink, it can turn into a complex partial seizure or a tonic-clonic seizure then I can go into status which then I need to go to hospital.
“My daughter tried explaining to her what they look like and what happens. The medic told her to ‘shut up as she’s only a child’, she’s 16 and has seen me with my epilepsy for years. The lady was very rude and singled me out due to my hidden disability.
“I only got my tablets back when I told her I’d sue her if I had a seizure. The lady was horrible to me and uneducated on epilepsy. I’ve lived with my epilepsy for years and knows what to do and how I can be brought out of a seizure.”
Charlotte eventually got into the venue with her pill but had to buy an “expensive” bottle of water in the venue. She spoke to the head of security, who she was “lovely”, very helpful and who advised they make an official complaint.
The mum-of-three was also felt let down by O2 Academy because there was strobe lighting during the concert which she claims to have not been warned about. “I spent all evening with eyes shut and head down,” she said.
“I’ve never had this problem at big arenas I’ve had attended before and never had a problem with taking in my medication and drink. I would never go back again, even if my favourite band was there.”
A spokesperson for Academy Music Group, which owns O2 Academy, said: “We take all complaints extremely seriously and are sorry to hear of anyone who has not enjoyed a recent visit. Our management team will thoroughly investigate the concerns raised and discuss with Ms Leveridge directly.
"Signage is clearly displayed throughout the venue and on our website that strobe lightings and special effects are often in use during the majority of live performances and all patrons are advised to let our team know before or during an event of any issues.”
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