A group of men filming women working out through the windows of Atelier, a St. Louis Park Pilates studio, has drawn widespread attention to the practice of First Amendment auditing. The incident, captured in a viral TikTok video with over 6.3 million views, prompted the studio’s owner to install privacy window film following complaints of disrupted classes and shaken participants.
TikTok Video Captures St. Louis Park Pilates Studio Incident
Three men set up cellphone cameras on a public grassy median outside Atelier on Highway 7 near Minnetonka Boulevard on a Friday morning. At least one man wore a sweatshirt featuring the phrase “the people’s bicep,” which is associated with the First Amendment Protection Agency, a network of First Amendment auditors. Studio owner Hodan Malim stated in an email that the men filmed through the windows and attempted to provoke reactions from the class inside.
Class participant Reza Moreno described the atmosphere as unsettling as the men moved closer to the front door. Moreno and other attendees paused their workout for 15 minutes and covered up. “The instructor asked if we felt comfortable, and we said it feels not good,” Moreno said. “I was shaken up.” The instructor called police, but the men left before officers arrived, according to Malim. City spokeswoman Jacque Smith confirmed that the St. Louis Park Police Department is aware of the incident, though no police report has been filed by the business or individuals involved.
Legal Boundaries of First Amendment Auditing Examined by Experts
The confrontation highlights the growing social and political movement of First Amendment auditing, according to Jeff Kosseff, a University of Minnesota professor and director of the Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law. Kosseff noted that individuals generally possess the legal right to film on public property. “The person is making the point they have the First Amendment rights to film on public property,” Kosseff explained.
However, legal limitations apply when auditors target private spaces. Kosseff emphasized that the First Amendment does not protect recordings made inside private businesses, which retain the authority to order individuals to leave. While participants viewed the filming as a violation, Kosseff stated that meeting the legal threshold for harassment remains difficult simply because someone dislikes being recorded.
Atelier Responds With Increased Studio Privacy Measures
In response to the disruption, Atelier has taken steps to secure privacy for its members. Malim confirmed that the studio has added window film to the premises. “This isn’t because we believe our members are in danger, but because we want the women who choose Atelier to continue feeling comfortable and protected in the space,” Malim said. No physical threats or injuries were reported during the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions About the St. Louis Park Auditing Incident
What is a First Amendment audit?
A First Amendment audit is a practice where individuals record video in public spaces, often targeting government buildings or officials, to test their constitutional right to film and to provoke reactions.
Are First Amendment auditors legally allowed to film inside private businesses?
No. According to University of Minnesota professor Jeff Kosseff, the law does not allow auditors to record inside private businesses, which maintain the legal right to require recording individuals to leave.
Have any police reports been filed regarding the Atelier Pilates studio incident?
According to city spokeswoman Jacque Smith, the St. Louis Park Police Department is aware of the incident, but no police report has been filed by the business or any involved individuals.
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