SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - A controversy over City Creek Center is brewing and it is taking place over social media. People are claiming they're being asked to leave the brand new shopping center because of either what they're wearing or what they're doing.
Ever since the much anticipated opening of the retail center, people have posted stories and comments online saying they have been kicked off the property for a variety of reasons, ranging from visible tattoos to dressing in drag.
City Creek management say the rumors simply aren't true and everyone is welcome to City Creek Center.
Some people claimed to have been harassed by City Creek security guards and are exploding with comments on the social network Facebook.
One such post is from a person named Skinny Rose. "It is true I was in heels and my makeup was fierce and I was dressed very gender bender and they kick me out for looking too gay."
Some other shoppers claim that they were asked to cover up tattoos or change what they were wearing.
"I got approached by someone that asked do you mind covering up? I laughed, and asked why, and he said some people might find your tattoo offensive," says shopper Dallon Thorup.
The
code of conduct is listed on the City Creek Center website and states:
"Any activity or conduct, which is detrimental to or inconsistent with a first-class, family oriented shopping center (is prohibited.) Management’s interpretation of these Rules of Conduct is conclusive and binding."
However, the online rules do not mention public displays of affection, tattoos, or even a dress code.
"If they were holding hands, or kissing, or have tattoos... those are not things that would draw the attention of our security," says Director of Marketing for City Creek Center, Dee Brewer.
Several people are pointing fingers at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, claiming they're the ones who are enforcing the rules at City Creek Center. However, owners of the retail property, Taubman Centers Incorporated, insist that the church has nothing to do with the rules. Brewer says Taubman Centers Inc.'s code of conduct is enforced at all of their malls across the nation.
