Cinema goers are having to deal with people "shouting, swearing, kicking chairs, and throwing popcorn and drinks everywhere" as part of a "ridiculous" TikTok trend.
The Ritz Multiplex in Cookstown, Co Tyrone has spoken out about the trend "currently sweeping throughout cinemas" that's been associated with the smash hit children's film A Minecraft Movie.
The Co Tyrone business has published a video showing both the aftermath of the mess made by people taking part in the TikTok trend, with popcorn and confection strewn across the floor, along with a brief clip of people jumping up and down and shouting during a screening.
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Perhaps more concerning, however, is the cinema's warning that both staff and customers are facing a "ridiculous" level of verbal abuse.
"When staff request that disruptive customers leave the premises they are shouted at, swore at, and met with threats such as 'make me' and much worse," a spokesperson for The Ritz Multiplex in Cookstown said in an online statement.
In a Facebook post alongside the video, a spokesperson for the Co Tyrone business said: "This was taken after only one showing of the blockbuster movie that has inspired a viral TikTok trend currently sweeping throughout cinemas.
"In utterly shocking behaviour, certain individuals are shouting, clapping, swearing, kicking chairs, and throwing popcorn and drinks everywhere. Such disruption is taking place during almost every showing and is totally ruining the movie experience for genuine cinema customers and destroying our screens."
The spokesperson continued: "The level of verbal abuse towards our staff and other customers is ridiculous. Our staff are genuinely trying their very best to control the situation to ensure all customers enjoy the movie. However, when staff request that disruptive customers leave the premises they are shouted at, swore at, and met with threats such as 'make me' and much worse."
The statement added: "We are saddened and disappointed that we have had to make a post like this, but no-one should have to tolerate such behaviour. We want everyone to enjoy their cinema experience. Please respect our cinema, our customers, and our staff."
The video has garnered a shocked reaction online.
One commenter on the Ritz Multiplex Facebook page said: "I’m 18 years of age and planning on seeing the Minecraft movie at the weekend and I would never act like this. I’m shocked by the lack of manners some young people my age have shown."
Another wrote: "Pull the film and ban the lot off them."
And another commenter said: "That’s shocking. The Ritz is a brilliant cinema and we should be supporting independent businesses like this. I’ll be making a point on visiting soon. Fair play to them for sharing this."
The trend has also seemingly deterred some people from going to the film, with one commenter writing: "Really wanted to take my 10 [year old] daughter here to see the Minecraft movie but I’m not sure anymore with all this going on"
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