Liberty Hotel Suspends Security Officer After Review of Restroom Confrontation

The Liberty Hotel in Boston has suspended a security officer after concluding its investigation into a confrontation in a women's bathroom on May 3, according to an updated statement the hotel issued Tuesday morning.

The hotel said the suspension takes effect immediately. It also said its general manager would contact the people involved that day, and that all staff will undergo mandatory retraining on inclusive practices and guest interaction protocols, with particular attention to making LGBTQ+ guests feel safe and welcome.

In addition, the hotel plans to donate to a local LGBTQ+ organization it has worked with before. The donation is to be made on May 17, International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. The hotel described itself as "an ally of the LGBTQ+ community" and said guests who do not show tolerance and acceptance toward others will be removed.

The statement marks a change from the hotel's first response. At that point, a spokesperson disputed the account given by Elizabeth Victor, who said her girlfriend was removed from the bathroom "despite both of (them) repeatedly stating that she is a woman."

Victor wrote in a Google review that the confrontation happened Saturday during an event at the hotel on Charles Street, while her girlfriend was still inside a stall. She said her girlfriend was forced to show identification to prove her sex, and that the couple was then removed from the event. Victor described her girlfriend as 6 feet tall with short hair, and said the two attended a Kentucky Derby party at the hotel. She wrote that no guests or staff stepped in to calm the situation.

The hotel's initial account was different. A spokesperson said multiple women had alerted security that two people were sharing a stall, and that the bathroom was cleared because two adults in one stall are not permitted. The spokesperson said that after leaving the bathroom, one member of the couple put their hands on security staff, which led to their removal. The hotel said it has a zero-tolerance policy for physical altercations. Victor has said she and her partner were not sharing a stall.

After Victor shared her review on Instagram, urging followers to leave negative reviews, boycott the hotel and contact the mayor, the hotel received dozens of one-star ratings on Google. She asked for personal and public apologies, a full refund for the event, and a commitment to policy change and staff training.

On Tuesday, Victor said in an Instagram story that the hotel's general manager had phoned twice to apologize. She wrote that the original statement "was based purely on false claims from the security officer, who is now temporarily suspended." She also thanked supporters, saying she and her partner felt "less alone" after sharing their story.

Victor had earlier confirmed to Boston.com that she posted the review on behalf of herself and her partner, but declined to comment further.