A mum has claimed that her son was stopped from watching Minions: The Rise of Gru in a cinema due to the ‘Gentleminions’ trend.
The unusual trend has taken a hold of social media in recent days following the release of the children’s animated film.
After emerging on TikTok, teenage fans of the Despicable Me franchise, who refer to themselves as ‘Gentleminions’, have been arriving at screenings in groups and dressed in suits.
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Videos posted on TikTok have racked up millions of views. Some filmed themselves snacking on bananas during the film, a reference to the villain Gru’s favourite snack.
Reports of rowdy behaviour linked to the trend, including unruly cheering and throwing popcorn, has led to cinemas banning those who arrive to watch the film in suits.
Universal UK has been contacted for comment by Tyla.
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The anonymous mum took to Mumsnet and claimed her son and his friend were both turned away from a screening of the new film after arriving at the unnamed cinema dressed in suits.
The post, which was shared on Saturday (2 July) afternoon, states: “Like lots of people per TikTok, they dressed up in suits/ties - just for fun. Got to cinema and were told they couldn't come in because of what they were wearing.
“DS called me upset and DH went down to see if he could sort it. Found five grown men standing over them and a few other kids, shouting at them that they needed to leave and they were not allowed in. Kids felt very intimidated. No dress code visible in the cinema or on the website.
“DH asked if they had misbehaved and was told no, we just don't like this suit thing as some of the people on TikTok have kicked off.
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“DH pointed out, they hadn't kicked off, just wanted to watch the film, so what was the problem. Stoney silence."
The mum claimed that the two 13-year-olds removed their jackets and ties and were later allowed to attend a viewing.
“He took them outside, took their jackets and ties off and they went back in five minutes later and were admitted by a different member of staff
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“Is it just me or is this ridiculous? And pathetic for them to treat kids like that
“I really want to complain but wanted the [Mumsnet] population to vote on if you think they were [Being Unreasonable] or not.”
The mum asked Mumsnet users to decide if she was being unreasonable and whether she should complain about the staff’s behaviour.
Parents were divided on whether the cinema's staff were in the wrong. “That is ridiculous, you should definitely complain," one person replied.
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In reference to the TikTok trend, another Mumsnet user replied: “There's been challenges happening on tik took with this, in my ex local cinema 350 dressed up teens turned up, made a massive mess and nobody was able to watch the screening. So the cinema probably knows about this 'challenge' and are doing this to prevent it!”
A third person replied: “If this is the reason then the cinema did the right thing sorry. I would imagine like most places they have the right to refuse entry if they think they will cause trouble or stop the rest of the kids being able to watch the film. Aren’t they a bit old to be turning up to the cinema dressed up?”
While someone concluded: “If there have been multiple reports of teens doing a TikTok challenge and distracting other cinema goers I can absolutely see why they want to nip it in the bud.”
Meanwhile, another parent shared: “Yesterday my mum took my young nieces (6 and 3) to see this film, she rang me afterwards upset saying there were scores of teenagers in suits who were making a ridiculous racket at every funny/inspirational part of the film, to the point that many people got up and left and complained - my mum also left as my nieces were getting upset, she got a refund from the cinema.
“She wasn’t aware of the TikTok trend and neither was I honestly, but it sounds extremely annoying and inconsiderate of other people watching the film.”
Topics: TV And Film, News
Gregory Robinson