Non-Binary “Russian Doll ”Actor Claims They Were ‘Forcibly Removed’ from Bathroom at N.Y.C. Hotel: Lawsuit

**Actor Sues Soho Grand Hotel for Discrimination Following Bathroom Incident**

Wesley Han, a non-binary actor known for their roles in popular series such as “Russian Doll” and “Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens,” has initiated legal proceedings against the Soho Grand Hotel in New York City. The lawsuit stems from an incident that Han describes as “distressing,” which occurred during an event at the establishment in March.

According to a lawsuit filed on April 29, Han alleges that security personnel forcefully removed them from a bathroom at the hotel, leading to feelings of humiliation and shock. The actor has claimed that they have never encountered such treatment throughout their years of living in New York City. The lawsuit argues that this incident breached New York’s anti-discrimination laws tailored to protect individuals based on gender identity and expression.

Han, who identifies as queer and non-binary, attended the event wearing an outfit that they describe as “unmistakably feminine-coded,” including women’s slacks, a blazer, and heels. The actor typically opts for the women’s restroom when dressed in feminine attire, believing it to be a more comfortable choice. In their complaint, they note that during their life, they had not faced any objections from cisgender women regarding their presence in women’s facilities.

The events unfolded on March 5 when Han entered a stall in the women’s restroom. The complaint states that a male security guard approached the restroom and loudly inquired if any women had seen a man enter. Despite the absence of complaints from other patrons, Han asserts that the security guard proceeded to their stall and ordered them to come out.

Feeling startled and embarrassed, Han complied with the demand. However, they allege that when they requested to wash their hands, the security guard denied this request and took them to the men’s restroom instead. The handling of the situation has left Han feeling humiliated, a sentiment compounded by the fact that they have resided in diverse urban environments where their identity is generally understood and accepted.

The lawsuit also stresses that the treatment Han received suggested that the Soho Grand Hotel viewed their presence—merely using a restroom aligned with their gender expression—as aberrant or threatening. The hotel, according to the filing, failed to uphold the principles set forth by New York law, which grants individuals the right to utilise facilities that correspond to their gender identity, regardless of their appearance or any other factors.

Referencing the stipulations of the New York State Human Rights Law, the lawsuit highlights that individuals are entitled to use bathrooms and locker rooms aligned with their gender identity, and not merely based on the sex assigned at birth or identification documentation.

In a statement regarding the ongoing legal proceedings, the Soho Grand Hotel expressed a commitment to non-discriminatory practices and stated that they have always sought to provide a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community. However, the hotel refrained from commenting further due to the litigation.

Wesley Han’s representative has been contacted for further comment on the matter but had not responded at the time of this report. The case underscores the ongoing issues surrounding discrimination based on gender identity, particularly in public spaces, and brings attention to the need for greater sensitivity and understanding in such contexts.

As the theatre and film communities continue to grapple with issues of diversity and representation, Han’s allegations serve as a reminder of the importance of creating inclusive environments where all individuals can feel safe and accepted. The outcome of this lawsuit could hold significant implications, not only for Han but also for the wider discourse on gender identity rights in public establishments across New York and beyond.

This situation will undoubtedly be scrutinised as the legal process unfolds, shining a light on the critical need for policies that protect the rights of individuals across the gender spectrum.