Full Breakdown
Shelby Township Woman Threatens to Quit Gym Over Burkini Swimsuits
5/27/2026, 1:19:46 AM
The Pool Controversy at Lifetime Fitness
Mellissa Carone, a Shelby Township resident, posted a TikTok video announcing she would cancel her Lifetime Fitness membership after seeing women wear burkinis in the pool. She called the full-body swimsuit a “sanitary problem” and said “it is not freedom of religion to go into a pool with an entire burka on.” The video quickly spread on social media, sparking debate over religious attire in shared pools.
Background & Context
Carone first entered the public eye after testifying with former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani before a Michigan State House Oversight Committee. Her remarks later inspired a Saturday Night Live sketch. She filed to run for office, but the Macomb County Clerk disqualified her candidacy. The current dispute follows her pattern of involvement in culturally charged issues.
Key Figures & Groups
- Mellissa Carone – Shelby Township resident, former political candidate, TikTok creator.
- Lifetime Fitness (Shelby Township) – Health club operating a public pool.
- Khaled Farhat – Member who responded to Carone’s video.
- Unnamed member – Provided a brief reaction.
Official Statements & Responses
Lifetime Fitness’s website lists acceptable swimwear as swim shirts, bikinis, tankinis, one-piece suits, trunk shorts or long briefs. The policy does not mention burkinis. FOX 2 Detroit sought comment from Carone, who declined to comment.
Criticism & Opposition
Khaled Farhat challenged Carone’s claim, noting “Muslim people wash five times a day for prayers, and it’s part of their religion to be clean and sanitary,” and adding “I don’t understand what she means by unsanitary.” Another member replied, “Just mind your own business and go on your way.” These remarks illustrate disagreement over whether burkinis pose a health concern.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Story time regarding the Muslim problem we have here in Michigan,” — Mellissa Carone, TikTok post
- “It is not freedom of religion to go into a pool with an entire burka on.” — Mellissa Carone, TikTok post
- “sanitary problem.” — Mellissa Carone, TikTok post
- “Muslim people wash five times a day for prayers, and it’s part of their religion to be clean and sanitary,” — Khaled Farhat, Lifetime Fitness member
- “Just mind your own business and go on your way,” — Unnamed Lifetime Fitness member
Why It Matters
The incident shows how personal religious expression can intersect with perceptions of sanitation and the gym’s own dress-code rules. It also highlights social media’s role in turning a local dispute into a broader conversation about religious freedom, inclusivity, and community standards in shared facilities. Carone’s claim that burkinis are unsanitary conflicts with Farhat’s observation of Muslim hygiene practices, and the gym’s policy offers no clear guidance, leaving the issue unresolved.
