'Let guys just be guys': Aussie barber under fire for ‘sexist’ rule

According to their website, they “keep the manliness up and the chit chat down”.

Following discourse online, an Adelaide barber has stood by a policy Aussies have deemed completely sexist.

The barbershop, Robbie’s Chop Shop in the Adelaide suburb of Unley, was put in the firing line by Elena Téa in February, who called them out for their bullying and misogynistic behaviour. Now, we know the other side of the story - but opinions are still mixed.

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Image: Instagram / @robbieschopshop, TikTok / @elenatea_.

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“I get so angry and aggravated by this place”

Australian TikTok creator @elenatea_ has taken to TikTok to expose Adelaide barbershop Robbie’s Chop Shop.

The barbershop specifically advertises itself as ‘the last remaining male sanctuary’, allowing only men inside. According to their website, they “keep the manliness up and the chit chat down”.

Elena recalled walking past with her boyfriend, when staff from Robbie’s Chop Shop began harassing the two of them.

“Genuinely, I get so angry and aggravated by this place,” she says in the video.

“And their Instagram as well is just a cesspool of hate of other men and other women as well, just creating this disgusting atmosphere that allows them to continue.”

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“I’ve also heard of mums with autistic and disabled children who aren’t allowed inside”

Commenters on the post were fuming over the idea.

“Another reason men should start life in jail and have to prove their way out,” said one commenters.

“‘Man needs a man haven’ like the whole world is set up FOR MEN BY MEN….lmaooooo,” said another.

Other locals shared their own experiences with the barbershop - specifically relating to mums trying to bring in their sons for a haircut.

“The way that mums bring their kids there for a haircut and are made to SIT OUTSIDE ON A BENCH while they wait!” said one angry commenter.

“I’ve also heard of mums with autistic and disabled children who aren’t allowed inside to support their kids. This just creates a really distressing experience for everyone!” said another.

“There are other barbers. Side-eye to any parent taking their kid there,” another person said.

@elenatea_

I have so much to say about this place @Jordan Tan @Abbie Chatfield #betterblokeproject #malepodcast #feminism #jackmac

♬ original sound - elena téa

“It doesn’t feel the same when the mum is in the shop”

Robbie Ferrante, owner of Robbie’s Chop Shop, has now opened up about the backlash, saying all he was doing was providing a safe space for men searching for a place of community.

“What I saw over time was a lot of boys didn't have good role models, (who) needed a little bit of a helping hand or someone that could just sort of guide them,” he told the Daily Mail.

“So I'd always had this vision of a place where guys could just be guys and relax and not have to worry about conforming to society or what they say or things that they do.

“Not in a bad way, but just having the freedom to express what they're feeling.”

He also specifically commented on the allegations of children being left alone, saying that it gives them independence - though fathers often come in with their sons to get haircuts.

“It might be something small, but this is something that you're gonna have to do for the rest of your life: interact with people, talk to people,” he added.

“It doesn't feel the same when the mum is in the shop.”

Commenters on the shop’s Instagram are now supporting this ideology, but does that make it right?

“Why can’t men have a place just for them. With so much male suicide happening atm, they may open up and talk and just feel chilled for a short while. There are men sheds run by organizations are they going to start complaining about them now,” said one social media user.

“I'm very happy that this is male only. Keep up the good work making men feel good,” another added.

Originally published as 'Let guys just be guys': Aussie barber under fire for ‘sexist’ rule