In a powerful display of standing up for personal boundaries, a woman named Gabby Mostamand, an LA-based model, recently shared a video on Instagram detailing her unsettling encounter on a train. The clip captured the moment she confronted a passenger who was repeatedly and secretly taking her photos. Gabby approached the man, clearly uncomfortable, and asked, “Excuse me, do you have a problem? Because you keep taking pictures of me and it’s making me very uncomfortable.” The man’s dismissive response, “I am sorry if you feel that way,” was met with Gabby’s firm assertion, “You need to stop that. That’s not okay.”
Gabby later explained her decision to share the video, emphasizing the importance of addressing such violations of personal space. She noted the unfortunate reality that women are often criticized for asserting themselves, highlighting the need for vigilance. “There’s a reason we have to. This is the reality of our world and you have to look out for yourself,” she stated.
The experience left Gabby deeply shaken, admitting she was “shaking and on the verge of tears” even after returning to her seat, where she eventually broke down. She expressed feelings of embarrassment but was comforted by the supportive reactions of fellow passengers.
Gabby concluded her story with a strong message: “Be safe, and don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. There’s no reason why women should face harassment like this.” Her video resonated widely on social media, with many users sharing similar experiences and commending Gabby for her bravery. Comments flooded in, praising her for calling out unacceptable behavior and emphasizing the courage it takes to confront such violations of personal space.