Inappropriate Encounter on the Tube
UPDATE: I’ve just reached out to BTP! (I’ve never had to report anything like this before, so I wasn’t sure if it would be useful, but thanks to the comments suggesting otherwise, I did it!)
I’m feeling really disgusted. This morning, around 8 AM, I was on the Piccadilly Line heading north to work when a man, likely in his 40s, got on at Covent Garden. He kept staring at me, so I looked back, and he started winking and, to my horror, touching himself through his jeans. This happened a few times until I couldn’t take it anymore and raised my voice, using some choice words to tell him to stop. He just looked away and laughed. He got off at Russell Square, and to make it even worse, another man who witnessed the whole thing shook his head in agreement with my reaction. It’s so frustrating that in London, people often choose to ignore these situations instead of standing up for one another. I’m really fed up with this culture.
I’m really sorry to hear about your experience; that sounds absolutely disgusting and unacceptable. It’s brave of you to speak up and confront him, even though it was a really uncomfortable situation. I completely understand your frustration with the bystanders too. It’s disheartening when people choose to remain silent instead of showing support, especially in situations like this where someone is clearly being harassed. I’m glad you reported it to BTP—every report counts and hopefully can help prevent this from happening to someone else. Remember, you have the right to feel safe and respected in public spaces. Don’t let this experience discourage you; you did the right thing by speaking out!