A yet-to-be opened office and gym space marketed exclusively at men has had to shut down reviews on its Facebook page and go into damage control following an article on its co-founder.
In the article Samuel Monaghan, co-founder of the all-male co-working gym space Nomadic Thinkers, said domestic violence "stemmed from depression in many cases". He also said women would only be able to access the front section of the proposed Nomadic Thinking office space.
"We live in a stoic culture," Monaghan said. "As guys in Australia we’re told to suck it up. When women are around we have trouble being vulnerable. We’re helping men who are professional. It’s a healthy environment for men."
Since the story was published Tuesday, Nomadic Thinker's Facebook page has racked up dozens of one-star reviews. Each post on the page has also drawn criticism.
"Unfortunately, it has come across that we trivialise the significance of domestic violence and depression," Nomadic Thinkers said in a statement Wednesday morning.
"We would like to express our apologies as this is not the case. Our intention is and has always been to highlight the seriousness and social costs of these issues, and take an immersive and proactive approach towards actions."
Still, people have been taking to social media to mock the Brisbane-based startup.
are you allowed to beat off in the male-only startup space, is my question
A male-only workspace, how original and disruptive. It's never happened before in history. Truly novel thinking. Nomadic, even
Great (but frustrating) read. According to these dudes, men won't hit their wives if they get male only work spaces… https://t.co/GyrJM1jwlt
personally I’m really sick of seeing strong as hell women that are more athletic than me at the gym which is why I go to a male only gym now
BuzzFeed News has contacted Nomadic Thinkers for comment.