New Jersey gym owner under fire over freebies for ‘all those who don’t get vaccinated’

A gym in the US is dolling out free memberships to “all those who don’t get vaccinated” against coronavirus, in response to Krispy Kreme giving out free doughnuts to people who have been jabbed.

The Attlis Gym in New Jersey adopted the policy – and were widely criticised for doing so – despite calls for more people to come forward for a vaccine.

It comes after doughnut chain Krispy Kreme said it was offering free treats to those who have received their coronavirus vaccine.

Ian Smith, the gym’s owner tweeted: “In light of @krispykreme giving free donuts for receiving the CVD shot, here at @TheAtilisGym we are giving out free memberships to all who don’t get vaccinated.

“We believe in health - the real way - exercise, good diet, plenty of Vitamin D, Zinc, and an environment to destress.”

The gym owner appears to have had previous run-ins with officials over coronavirus restrictions, with two arrests and $134,000 dollars in fines for breaching Covid orders, according to a video posted to the gym’s Instagram page in August, in which he is wearing a “Gun Control is Racist” t-shirt.

He has also been reprimanded for not wearing masks and was banned from an American Airlines during his trip back from the Conservative Political Action Group, according to reporting by Fox News.

People expressed their disgust at the move of Smith encouraging people not to get their shot. Here are some of the best responses: