The co-owner of a Melbourne gentleman's club at the centre of a dramatic viral incident has stepped forward to set the record straight about the events that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Security Team Actions Defended by Bar Owner
Michael Trimble, co-owner of Melbourne's Bar 20 on King Street, has publicly defended his security guards following an altercation that saw a patron struck by a chair after being ejected from the establishment. The incident, which occurred outside the venue, has generated massive online attention with the video spreading rapidly across social media platforms.
Escalation Leading to Violent Confrontation
According to Trimble, the situation escalated significantly before reaching the point where security personnel needed to physically remove patrons from the premises. "In order for an ejection to get to that state where guys are literally being dragged out and thrown onto the ground, things have had to escalate a lot," Trimble explained in his statement to media outlets.
The bar owner detailed that the patrons in question had been rude to female staff members, displayed aggressive behaviour, and refused to leave the venue when asked. "They were rude to the girls, they were aggressive, and they refused to leave," Trimble stated. "Then they've continued to kick off outside until old mate was taking out by friendly fire."
Unexpected Weapon in Altercation
In a surprising twist to the confrontation, the weapon used in the attack was not wielded by security staff but rather by another patron involved in the dispute. The chair was reportedly swung by a disgruntled friend of the ejected patron, with the apparent target being a security guard. Instead, the chair struck the patron who had just been removed from the venue, creating what Trimble described as "friendly fire" situation.
Global Attention and Proposed Solution
The incident has thrust Melbourne's infamous King Street entertainment precinct into the international spotlight, with the viral video reaching viewers across multiple continents. Exclusive coverage of the event by a major news outlet reportedly accumulated more than 27 million views within just 24 hours of the incident occurring.
Trimble has responded to criticism that his security team didn't adequately check on the welfare of the injured patron following the chair attack. He maintains that his staff acted appropriately given the circumstances and the continued aggressive behaviour of those involved.
Unconventional Proposal for Prevention
Not one to miss an opportunity for commentary, Trimble offered what he presented as a potential solution for authorities seeking to prevent similar incidents in the future. "The problem was the chair," he remarked. "We need a statewide chair ban now." While likely made with some degree of irony, the statement highlights the unexpected nature of the weapon used in the altercation.
The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by security personnel in Melbourne's nightlife districts and how quickly situations can escalate when patrons become confrontational. As the video continues to circulate online, Bar 20 and its security team find themselves at the centre of an international discussion about venue security and patron behaviour.
