Heartbreak High’s Chloé Hayden claims she was discriminated against at Harry Styles’ concert

Marvel Stadium has announced new measures after a Heartbreak High star was discriminated against at a Harry Styles show in Melbourne.

Marvel Stadium has announced new measures after a Heartbreak High star was turned away from a sensory inclusive room during a Harry Styles concert in Melbourne.

Actor and disability advocate Chloé Hayden, who lives with autism and ADHD, claimed she was denied access to the stadium’s sensory room while attending the show on February 24.

She said staff decided she didn’t “look autistic enough” to access it.

In a statement on social media, Ms Hayden said the stadium will build a second sensory room and will further train their employees.

“I’ve spoken with the CEO of Marvel Stadium and we’ve discussed steps forward,” she said.

“A second sensory room is being built, and they have committed to retraining their staff. I plan on keeping them accountable for both.

“Don’t you ever say that raising your voice is futile.”

Chloé Hayden shared a TikTok of her time at the concert.

The Heartbreak High star on the way to the show.

Ms Hayden said her experience took an “immense toll” on her.

“Myself and Marvel Stadium are encouraging everyone with stories of poor disability access and discrimination to reach out to Marvel directly so they can hear as many stories as possible and continue to gain knowledge to educate and change for a better future.

“The last few days have taken an immense toll. It is now my time to step back, breathe, and advocate for myself, too.

“I will never stop fighting. I will never not be thankful for having an army to fight it with me.”

Marvel Stadium’s sensory room was designed by medical professionals for people who may need a quieter or more secure environment due to sensory sensitivities linked to conditions including autism, dementia and PTSD.

The stadium said its staff had undergone training for working in the spaces.

Ms Hayden lives with autism and ADHD. Picture: Richard Dobson

On Friday, Ms Hayden posted it was “tiring and exhausting” to continue to be denied access to the areas.

“Hey Marvel Stadium reminder that you cannot preach inclusivity and then not let me into the sensory room because you took one look at me and decided I don’t look autistic enough to access it lmao (sic),” she said.

In an email to Marvel Stadium, seen by the Herald Sun, Ms Hayden wrote she was “turned away from the sensory room at the start of the night” and was “looked up and down” before she was told the space was “only for people who need it”.

“As both a disabled person, and a very active voice and advocate for the disabled community, it is so, so tiring and defeating to continue to be fighting for access and the ability to exist in public spaces-particularly at venues that pride themselves on being accessible,” she said.

“Inclusion in public spaces should not be a privilege, it should be a right.

“Unfortunately after experiencing discrimination … it became clear that this was not the case.”

Ms Hayden says inclusion in public spaces should be a right for everyone in the disabled community. Picture: Brendon Thorne

Ms Hayden claimed she received more than 50 messages from people who said they also faced discrimination at Marvel Stadium during the show.

“This isn’t about inclusion, this is about human decency,” she said.

Ms Hayden said she was advocating for everyone with autism who have been discriminated against.

“I am starting and ensuring conversations are had,” she said.

“Enough is enough.”

Ms Hayden’s advocacy includes talking about her autism and ADHD, and experiences with discrimination.

Her book. Different Not Less, helps fellow neurodivergent people to embrace their true selves.

Chloé Hayden in the crowd at the Harry Styles concert.

In a statement, a Marvel Stadium spokesman said they would continue to review their processes.

“We are extremely disappointed to hear that over the weekend patrons had an experience where they were not able to access our sensory room,” he said.

“Upon becoming aware of this issue, staff immediately made contact and have organised a time to openly discuss and better understand what happened so we can rectify it and make any appropriate changes to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

The spokesman said Marvel was the first stadium in Melbourne to open a sensory room in 2019.

“While we sometimes experience capacity issues at major events, we still aim to provide a positive and caring experience for all patrons needing to find a quiet place and we sincerely apologise for the hurt and inconvenience that was caused on this occasion.”