What was supposed to be a regular shopping trip turned into a distressing ordeal for Krystal Joyce, a TikTok influencer known for trying on and reviewing outfits for her 122,000 followers.
The 20-year-old, who frequently visits fashion stores to share styling tips, found herself at the center of a legal battle after an unsettling encounter at Zara’s flagship store in Dublin’s Blanchardstown shopping center.
Accusations in the Changing Room
While Joyce was in a fitting room trying on clothes, a female security guard suddenly pulled back the curtain, catching her in a state of partial undress.
According to Joyce, the situation quickly escalated as she was prevented from leaving and interrogated in front of other shoppers.
She claimed that security staff made it appear as though she had been engaged in criminal activity, leading her to feel humiliated and wrongly accused.
Legal Battle and Court Victory
Determined to clear her name, Joyce took her case to the Dublin Circuit Civil Court, arguing that she had been defamed by Zara and its security team.
Her legal representative, barrister Esther Earley, emphasized that Joyce had been unfairly treated and publicly embarrassed, damaging her reputation.
The court also heard claims that a report from Zara regarding the incident had been “falsified.”
Judge Rules in Favor of Joyce
Judge Roderick Maguire sided with Joyce, describing her as a credible and honest witness.
He noted significant inconsistencies in the testimonies from Zara’s representatives, making their defense unconvincing.
The judge ruled that the incident had caused Joyce considerable distress, particularly as someone who uses social media to highlight issues within the Irish Traveller community.
Compensation and Fallout
As a result of the ruling, Zara and its security provider, Bidvest Noonan, were ordered to pay €20,000 in damages—€10,000 from each company—along with covering Joyce’s legal fees.
The judge held both parties accountable for defamation, stating that their actions unfairly damaged her reputation in the public eye.
What’s Next?
Neither Zara nor Bidvest Noonan have responded to requests for comment following the ruling.
Meanwhile, Joyce has yet to publicly address her legal victory.
With her growing influence on social media, it remains to be seen whether she will use this experience to further advocate for fair treatment in retail spaces.
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