Latest news with #ThePoloBar
New York Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Polo Bar employees used water bottles to take cocaine on shift, had ‘Rating Game' for women customers: lawsuit
An exclusive Manhattan nightspot that's counted Meghan Markle, Kamala Harris and Leonardo DiCaprio as customers is a hotbed for sexual harassment among employees — who used spray bottles to take cocaine during their shifts and had a rating system for good-looking customers, a bombshell lawsuit alleges. The swanky Polo Bar, a bar and restaurant owned by fashion icon Ralph Lauren and located on East 55th Street at Fifth Avenue, has a 'toxic culture … and rampant drug use and alcohol consumption at work,' a veteran former server claimed in a federal lawsuit. Male bosses groped underlings under the guise of checking their uniforms and managers and servers often openly used cocaine, Frank Nobiletti claimed in court papers. Advertisement 5 The Polo Bar, located at 1 East 55th Street in NYC, NY on March 29, 2016. James Messerschmidt One server allegedly sold the drug on-site, and workers 'regularly mixed cocaine with water in a spray bottle and used that bottle to ingest cocaine' through their skin 'during service,' he contended in the legal filing. Michael Lewis, the bar's events manager, and Darnell Dodson, its international hospitality directory, both touched Nobiletti, 42, inappropriately at different times, he alleged. Advertisement Dodson was known to hire only attractive men, even if they had zero experience, 'hoping to have a sexual relationship with them,' Nobiletti claimed in the lawsuit. 'Male employees who had a sexual relationship with him … would receive preferential treatment.' Workers also allegedly played a twisted 'Rating Game' where 'women customers are rated based on attractiveness. 5 Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff spotted leaving The Polo Bar. DIggzy/Jesal / BACKGRID 5 Its menu boasts caviar and potatoes for $145, pan-seared Dover sole for $80, and even $18 pigs in a blanket. Brett Beyer Advertisement 'The male servers frequently made offensive and graphic sexual comments about the women customers,' the suit alleged. Since opening in 2015, Polo Bar has been one of the most exclusive celebrity haunts in the Big Apple. The establishment is popular with bold faced names like Tom Hanks, Bill and Hillary Clinton, George Clooney, and U2's Bono. Its menu boasts caviar and potatoes for $145, pan-seared Dover sole for $80, and even $18 pigs in a blanket. One of its cocktails, The Family Reserve — which contains Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo Tequila, D.O.M. Benedictine and Brandy, Crème de Cacao, and Amaro Averna — will set you back $50. 5 George Clooney and Amal Clooney arrive to the Polo Bar on December 13, 2023 in New York City. GC Images Advertisement 5 Kim Kardashian is seen out for dinner at the Polo Bar on August 14, 2024 in New York City. GC Images Nobiletti claimed he 'faced terrible sexual harassment' and was fired in February 2024 after he complained human resources. Supervisors told him he was being let go 'for drinking at work even though, since the Polo Bar opened in 2015, management and staff regularly drank alcohol and used illegal drugs during work hours with little to no consequences for such actions,' he said in the legal papers. 'While the restaurant and its hard-working staff do everything they can to ensure that their guests have a first class experience, defendants completely failed to guarantee that their employees had a safe and legal work environment,' he said in the July 22 filing. In a statement to The Post, Polo Bar said: 'We have high standards for how employees conduct themselves and no tolerance for misconduct, so we take swift action when these standards are not met. This includes Mr. Nobiletti's termination that was based on clear evidence of his misconduct. Because we take all employee-related concerns seriously, we thoroughly investigated Mr. Nobiletti's allegations and determined they have no merit.' Nobiletti is seeking unspecified damages. His attorneys declined to discuss the case. Lewis and Dodson could not be reached for comment.
Eater
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Eater
A Former Employee of Polo Bar Is Suing for Alleged Sexual Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation
is the lead editor of the Northeast region with more than 20 years of experience as a reporter, critic, editor, and cookbook author. One of the most exclusive bars in the city — The Polo Bar, which opened at 1 E. 55th Street, at Fifth Avenue, in 2015 — is being sued by a former employee. The ex-server and bartender claims that the Ralph Lauren-branded restaurant, a haunt for the likes of Jon Hamm, the Clintons, Drew Barrymore, Oprah Winfrey, and Jennifer Lopez, allegedly fosters a culture that tolerates widespread sexual discrimination and harassment; sexual assault; rampant drug use and alcohol consumption at work; and retaliation against employees who complain to human resources, according to a lawsuit filed earlier this week. The plaintiff demands a trial and seeks lost wages, punitive damages, and attorney fees. Frank Nobiletti, a veteran of the hospitality industry, worked as a server and bartender at the Polo Bar for seven years beginning in 2017. He claims he experienced 'terrible sexual harassment' after a manager allegedly outed him as bisexual. The issues escalated after the restaurant reopened post-COVID in 2021, at which point, he claims, coworkers began verbally harassing him, making sexually explicit comments, including remarks about wanting to watch him have sex with his wife. Nobiletti describes alleged incidents of sexual assault, including two involving managers, with one allegedly touching his inner thigh and the other grabbing his butt. The lawsuit also claims those same managers were not disciplined, and one was promoted despite allegedly allowing harassment. The lawsuit also outlines an allegedly hostile work environment for women, claiming multiple incidents 'upon information and belief,' though female employees aren't a part of the lawsuit. The suit claims one long-time server showed nude photos of women they were dating to employees and that 'multiple female staff members' complained about a so-called 'Rating Game' of female customers' attractiveness. Some male servers also allegedly joked about 'putting it in' with a particular coworker. When employees reported these concerns, human resources allegedly failed to act, according to the lawsuit. Some managers regularly yelled at staff, threatened to fire them, or falsely accused them of misconduct, according to the lawsuit. One manager allegedly 'frequently condescended to female managers in front of other staff,' with no disciplinary action. The suit further claims that Nobiletti reached out to HR — both personally and through legal counsel — starting in fall 2023. In February 2024, he was fired for drinking on the job. Nobiletti contends the firing was retaliatory and that drug and alcohol use among staff had long gone unchecked. The lawsuit alleges, 'management and staff regularly drank alcohol and used illegal drugs during work hours with little to no consequences.' One server, the suit claims, was so drunk they couldn't finish their shift and faced little repercussion. The suit also claims an intoxicated manager allegedly punched a door while threatening a coworker. The restaurant's wine room was reportedly a frequent site of cocaine use, according to the lawsuit, with one employee allegedly acting as a dealer. At private events, the lawsuit claims that 'with management's knowledge and approval,' employees consumed alcohol meant for customers. In some cases, staff allegedly charged clients extra, then drank the difference. One employee is accused of 'fraudulently altering customers' tips if he felt the tip was inadequate.' The lawsuit claims that 'upon information and belief,' this employee was not disciplined until 2023 – despite that he allegedly had been altering tips since 2015. The Polo Bar refutes Nobiletti's allegations. 'We have high standards for how employees conduct themselves and no tolerance for misconduct, so we take swift action when these standards are not met,' the restaurant said in a statement to Eater. 'This includes Mr. Nobiletti's termination that was based on clear evidence of his misconduct. Because we take all employee-related concerns seriously, we thoroughly investigated Mr. Nobiletti's allegations and determined they have no merit.' The Polo Bar has not yet filed a response to the complaint. A spokesperson continued that Nobiletti's attorneys were sent a letter last fall 'detailing his behavior following his termination that made Polo Bar employees uncomfortable.' Nobiletti has not had the opportunity to respond. Since 2020, Polo Bar has been managed by Apicii LLC. Before that, the restaurant was run by Gibsons Restaurant Group.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Kamala Harris spotted at NYC hotspot with husband Doug Emhoff, row over NYPD officers waiting outside
Kamala Harris was spotted at The Polo Bar in Manhattan on Sunday evening. Former vice president Kamala Harris was spotted at New York's hotspot on Sunday night as she went on a dinner date with husband Doug Emhoff at The Polo Bar in Midtown Manhattan. What started a row over this was the huge entourage of policemen who were on security duty for the former VP and the former second husband. Apart from 25 secret Service agents, there were NYPD officers either flanking the couple or waiting outside where four bulletproof cars and three additional SUVs were stationed. "Secret Service is fine; NYPD, no. NYPD needs to protect the people, we don't have enough of them," Republican NYC mayoral candidate Curtis Silwa said to "She's going to a bar to enjoy herself, and she's got an army of security paid for by us, not her." As a former vice president, Harris and her family are entitled to federally funded protection for about six months after leaving office. Silwa said the Secret Service was doing its job, but the heavy police presence should have been paid by the couple for their night out. "It's unbelievable... there were probably more security officers between the feds and the NYPD than there were patrons inside," Silwa said. — kamala_things (@kamala_things) The Polo Bar is known for its exorbitant prices and also for its exclusivity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Cost Of Amusement Park Equipment From Mexico Might Surprise You Amusement Park Equipment | search ads Click Here Undo The jaunt which was opened 10 years ago as part of Ralph Lauren's foray into hospitality is a favorite among the celebrities. Bookings are generally made over the phone, a month before. Kamala Harris's costly appearance came just ahead of Met Gala which she may attend. Her expensive outing came amid speculations over hernext political step, which she soft-launched in her searing attack on President Donald Trump at a recent speaking event. "President Trump and his administration and their allies are counting on the notion that fear can be contagious," Harris said in her first major speech after her election defeat -- on the 20th anniversary gala for Emerge America. "What they are overlooking is that fear is not the only thing that's contagious, courage is contagious," she said.
New York Post
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Kamala Harris and hubby Doug Emhoff take 25 Secret Service agents, bodyguards for jaunt to NYC hotspot Polo Bar
Kamala Harris took more than two dozen bodyguards, including taxpayer-funded Secret Service agents to dine out with husband Doug Emhoff enjoyed a date night at one of New York City's most exclusive bars. The failed Democrat presidential candidate was spotted leaving celeb hotspot The Polo Bar on East 55th Street on Sunday night ahead of her rumored appearance at Monday's Met Gala. Advertisement Inside, the couple mingled with the elite guests, many of whom had booked their tables weeks in advance, and posed for pictures and chatted with patrons. 3 Kamala Harris were flanked by security guards as they left the ritzy club. DIggzy/Jesal / BACKGRID 3 Heavy security surrounded the couple as they left the bar. BACKGRID Pictures show at least 25 bodyguards including Secret Service agents and NYPD officers flanking the couple or waiting outside, where four bulletproof cars and three additional SUVs were stationed. Advertisement As a former vice president, Harris and her family are entitled to federally funded protection for about six months after leaving office. 3 The couple mingled with patrons of the exclusive bar, a favorite of celebrities. DIggzy/Jesal / BACKGRID The Polo Bar is known as one of the toughest reservations to get in New York. Seats at the Ralph Lauren-owned bar are released roughly a month in advance, and the dress code is strict. Advertisement T-shirts, athleticwear, beachwear, hoodies, hats and ripped jeans are all forbidden. A corned beef sandwich will set you back $36 while the most expensive bottle of wine, a Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, costs a staggering $14,500.
Daily Mail
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Kamala Harris takes 25 taxpayer-funded bodyguards to ritzy NYC bar after trashing Trump over economy
Kamala Harris and her husband were protected by a phalanx of two dozen Secret Service agents and cops as they dined at one of New York's priciest bars. The former vice president was spotted at The Polo Bar in Midtown Manhattan on Sunday night, ahead of a rumored appearance at the Met Gala tonight. Harris emerged from the renowned celebrity hotspot with her husband Doug Emhoff about 9.30pm and stepped straight into a waiting bulletproof car outside. The couple were happy to mingle with other diners, many of whom booked their tables a month in advance, and took photos with some of them. Several Secret Service agents accompanied them as they dined for about two hours, with many more waiting outside to secure the entrance. All up, there were at least 25 Secret Service bodyguards plus NYPD officers, and a motorcade of four bulletproof cars and three additional SUVs. Harris, as a former VP, and her family are entitled to substantial federally funded protection, and were also given a police escort courtesy of NYC taxpayers. Harris laid into Donald Trump about his handling of the economy, particularly his tariffs, at the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala in San Francisco on April 30. 'It's an agenda, a narrow, self-serving vision of America where they punish truth tellers, favor loyalists, cash in on their power and leave everyone to fend for themselves,' she said. 'All while abandoning allies and retreating from the world.' Harris said the tariffs were 'clearly inviting a recession' and called them 'greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history'. Her comments were among the first since her election defeat and subsequent end of her vice presidential term on January 21, as she mulls whether to run for Governor of California or have a second tilt at the White House in 2028. The Polo Bar appears to be a favorite spot for the former second couple when they are in NYC, as they also dined there on February 15. Six Secret Service agents were stationed near the couple that night as they again took photos with diners including Queer Eye star Carson Kressley. Harris rubbed shoulders with Hollywood figures Larry David, Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Hamm, and NFL legend Peyton Manning, who all appeared on the various Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary specials that weekend. The Polo Bar opened 10 years ago as part of Ralph Lauren's foray into hospitality, and is still extremely popular with celebrities and almost impossible to get into. Getting a reservation is one of the most difficult feats in NYC's dining scene, unless you are rich or famous like Harris. Bookings are only made over the phone, starting at 10am a month to the day before you want to attend, and almost always already full. Diners reported spending an hour or two on hold, only to be told there were no bookings left. Those lucky enough to get through were asked very specific questions, and often still denied. Other ways to get a table include using a service offered by high-end credit cards and hotel concierge, knowing someone who works there, or simply buying it off another customer. Some diners claimed they managed to get last-minute reservations after a cancelation. The Polo Club is polarizing among those who managed to get in, with many saying the food is wildly overpriced and the bar overall not worth the extreme effort. Cocktails will set you back $24 to $55 each, martinis are $35 to $38, and even a bottle of beer is $16. Bar snacks range from $18 for pigs in blankets to $140 for caviar and potatoes. Dinner meals include a $35 burger, a 16oz New York stripe steak for $78, soups for $21, and $16 for a side of mashed potatoes. The cheapest bottle of wine is a 2022 rose from Puglia in Italy for $75, and the most expensive costs more than a car.
