Philly Naked Bike Ride to Naked Café Guy: #GirlBye

Cropped image by Sarah Grey

Yesterday, we told you about the curious case of the totally naked guy who was allowed to pass out fliers and walk around Rocket Cat Café for about an hour Friday as an advertisement for the Philly Naked Bike Ride.

Well, we have fallout to report.

Vallente Romasanta of the Naked Bike Ride told PhillyMag that the group has asked the man “to stop his association with PNBR.”

Photo by Sarah Grey

“PNBR deeply apologizes for the events that took place at Rocket Cat Café. We apologize for not having done our due diligence to understand the intent and means of promotion that were going to take place,” said Romasanta. “The actions that took place are not in line with our Code of Conduct and we apologize for the disturbance and offense that were caused by this individual’s actions and response. For this reason, we have asked him to stop his association with PNBR. We do not condone or plan on holding this type of promotion in the future.”

Some café patrons complained that they did not consent to seeing the man naked.

Tom Dimitriou is the nude dude in question. He was previously a co-organizer for the Naked Bike Ride. On Monday, he downplayed concerns from customers.

“I had permission from the owner. I figured that’s good enough,” he said. “This thing about consent is an affront to our civil liberties. If someone gives you permission to be naked at their venue, and you don’t like it, then leave.”

He did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Naked Bike Ride’s statement.

Café owner Karen Breese said the promotion was a mistake and that she takes full responsibility for it.

Photo by Sarah Grey

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