Two plus-size models say they were denied entry to a Los Angeles salon and 'no one wants to stick their necks out for you'

Ella Halikas and Alexa Jay say they were denied entry to a popular Los Angeles salon last week.

(Photos: Ella Halikas/Alexa Jay)

(CNN) --

Two Los Angeles models are urging other plus-size women to speak out against size discrimination after saying they were denied entry to a popular salon because of their bodies.

Alexa Jay and Ella Halikas, who first shared their story on TikTok, said they went to The Highlight Room last week to celebrate a friend's birthday.

Jay said she first saw Halikas, a friend and fellow plus-size model, while standing in line with other people who were also invited to the party and, as her group approached the entrance, the women say she was allowed to entry to all except them.

The guard looked them up and down and said, "Not tonight," Jay said, adding that she felt embarrassed and humiliated and went home.

"Getting ready and getting ready and feeling so vulnerable about a man demeaning you at the door to see if you're worthy to come in and have a drink or not, that's the worst feeling you can have," Halikas said.

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Tao Group Hospitality, the parent company of The Highlight Room, said in a statement that it was aware of the incident and is in contact with Jay and Halikas about their experience.

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"We always welcome feedback on our operations and continue to work to improve our guest experience. Our company does not tolerate discrimination of any kind," the company said.

The women said they have received a message from The Highlight Room with the CEO's number attached, and the CEO offering to speak to them in person about the incident.

But the women said that is not enough.

Halikas said no one stood up for them after the incident, which she described as "blatant discrimination against our size."

"At the time it hurt me because we have a huge following on the internet," Halikas said.

"I have almost 600,000 followers on TikTok, but the moment this happens in real life, everyone shuts up. Nobody wants to stand up for you."

The models said they decided to share their experience online because it's not the first time they've faced prejudice as plus-size women.

Shortly after they posted a video on TikTok about the incident, fans of the models began using the hashtag #NotTonight as a way to "reclaim the catchphrase" used by the security guard and spread awareness of size discrimination.

"It doesn't matter your race, your size, your sexual orientation, if you have acne, if you're pretty, if you're ugly, it doesn't matter," Jay said.

Some of his followers shared messages of support and shared their own stories.

"People started commenting on theirs and we got on it," Jay said.

"It's not just our story anymore."

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