Comedian discovers two-way mirror in women's toilet at Illinois bar

Footage showed it was possible to get a clear view of the inside of the bathroom stall through the other side of the mirror

(YouTube)

Comedian Tamale Rocks made an unpleasant discovery during a performance at a bar in Illinois, US, when she discovered a two-way mirror fitted into the door of the women’s toilet.

In a video posted on YouTube at Cigars and Stripes in Berwyn, IL, Rocks shows the stall which appears to have a second door with a mirror attached, which then opens into a supply cupboard.

From the supply cupboard, footage showed it was possible to get a clear view of the inside of the bathroom stall - and whoever was occupying it at the time - through the other side of the mirror.

(YouTube)

In the comment below the video, which has received over 35,000 views in 24 hours, Rocks wrote: "As a interdisciplinary performer, often in the public view, I retain certain expectations of privacy. When I went to use the restroom last night in Berwyn, IL, I noticed a full-length mirror opposite of the toilet.

"…Women are often told that we are "paranoid", that the extra precautions we take are "excessive". We are not. We engage in varying levels of due diligence, because if (or more likely when) something happens, we are the ones blamed.

"If something doesn't happen (that time), we are written off as 'acting crazy' and 'overreacting'"

Tamale Rocks (YouTube)

"I became angry when I realized that I was more torn apart by the possible social ramifications around "causing trouble" by exposing it than the fact that it existed. This self-doubt is problematic and a product of rape culture," she added.

Rocks alleged that there was no two-sided mirror in the men’s toilets.

Feminist website Jezebel spoke to owner Ronnie Lottz, who said the mirror had been there for "the longest time".

"I will burn this f***ing place to the ground before I get rid of that mirror. Do you know how much joy that mirror has brought to us?" he said.

"We're synonymous with Halloween. We do a freaky family fun day, and all the kids look in the mirror.

"This is a fun house, honey, and if you don’t like the two-way mirror, go f*** yourself; and if you come on my stage, have something to say. Everyone needs an angle."