'Shocked' Bondi backpacker speaks out over outfit controversy
An Italian backpacker who was asked to leave a Bondi restaurant due to the outfit she was wearing has broken her silence after the eatery issued an apology.
Martina Corradi was told by staff at North Bondi Fish that her outfit - consisting of linen pants, high heels and a lace bralette-style top - was “inappropriate”, leaving her feeling humiliated.
The incident went viral last week after Ms Corradi took to Facebook to share her experience in a local community group, and ask whether or not she was in the wrong.
“The waitress - as soon as I took a seat - she said that I’m not well dressed and this is not acceptable to stay in a place like that,” she wrote.
“Me and my boyfriend looked at her and we didn’t know what to say. We were shocked.”
On Facebook, most people believed what Ms Corradi wore to the restaurant was fine.
“There is nothing inappropriate in this apparel. Sorry you were made to feel uncomfortable,” one man wrote.
Others commented that her top resembled lingerie, and perhaps that was why the restaurant asked her to cover up or leave.
Restaurant apologises over incident
North Bondi Fish did not respond to Yahoo News Australia’s request for comment, however they did issue a grovelling apology to Ms Corrandi after backlash on social media.
“We have reviewed the incident and acknowledge that it was an error of judgment to ask Martina and her partner to leave the restaurant,” North Bondi Fish general manager Gemma Swanson told the Daily Mail.
“We have since contacted Martina, apologised for the error in judgment and invited her and her partner back to enjoy lunch or dinner on us.
“We uphold a casual dress code and it is clear that Martina should not have been asked to leave.”
She added that all staff will be retrained on protocols, including the dress code.
Tourist responds to venue’s apology
Despite being “embarrassed and offended” by the restaurant’s actions, Ms Corrandi said she accepts the apology and even plans to return to the venue in the future.
“I’m saying to everyone, I’m fine I’m happy and I had amazing day,” she told news.com.au.
“I had a lot of support from a lot of people that I don’t even know.
“I had never been to NBF, I will probably go back. I have nothing against them. It’s all good really. They’ve been very kind after all.”
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