DTLA Gay Bar Closure Threat: Lawsuit Could Force Shut Down
Precinct DTLA Faces Devastating Blow Amidst Lawsuit Allegations and Financial strain
Table of Contents
Popular Los Angeles Nightspot Cites Multiple Challenges, Including Discrimination Claims and Legal Battles
Los Angeles, CA - Precinct DTLA, a well-known establishment in the heart of Los Angeles’s Downtown district, is grappling with a confluence of severe challenges, including a damaging lawsuit and ongoing financial pressures.The bar, a staple in the city’s nightlife scene, recently took to Instagram to express the dire straits it finds itself in, citing a series of setbacks that threaten its very existence.
A String of Adversities: from COVID to Courtrooms
In a candid Instagram post, Precinct DTLA detailed the cumulative impact of various crises. “Like many small businesses,we’ve taken hit after hit – from COVID shutdowns and ICE raids to citywide curfews and the ongoing decline of nightlife,” the bar’s representatives wrote.”But what we’re facing now is even more devastating.”
The “devastating” challenge they refer to stems from a lawsuit filed in May by Jessica Gonzales, a former employee. Gonzales is suing the bar, its owner, manager, and an employee, alleging she endured discrimination and harassment as a cisgender, heterosexual woman and was subjected to an unsafe work surroundings during her eight-year tenure.
Allegations of Hostile Work Environment and Unpaid Labor
Gonzales’s complaint,filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court,outlines a series of disturbing incidents. She claims that after reporting instances of employees and patrons engaging in sexual activity within the bar, the owner dismissed her concerns, advising her to “stop complaining.”
Further allegations include being required to work the coat check for Precinct DTLA’s weekly “jockstrap / underwear party” without receiving any pay. According to Gonzales, the bar’s manager allegedly eliminated the coat check fee, believing it would “incentivize more patrons to drop their pants,” thereby exacerbating the hostile environment.The lawsuit details how the atmosphere became so untenable that Gonzales resorted to bringing stress balls to work. A particularly alarming incident described in the complaint involved another employee allegedly grabbing her stress ball and refusing to return it. in the ensuing struggle,Gonzales claims the employee broke two of her fingers.
Discriminatory Termination Claims and Counter-Accusations
Gonzales asserts that following the incident, she was effectively terminated. Her lawsuit contends that this dismissal was partly motivated by the owner and manager’s desire to replace her with a gay male employee.Precinct DTLA has vehemently denied these accusations. In their Instagram post, the bar’s representatives stated, “These claims are completely false.” They further suggested that the lawyer representing Gonzales “appears to have a clear anti-LGBTQ agenda.”
lawyer’s Past Accusations Surface in Defense
The bar’s defense strategy has involved bringing attention to the past conduct of Gonzales’s legal counsel, John barber. citing reports from individuals who previously worked with him, Precinct DTLA alleged that barber used anti-LGBTQ slurs in written emails during his time at a former firm.The Los angeles Times reported in 2023 that Barber and his colleague Jeff Ranen had a history of denigrating various groups, including Black, Jewish, Middle Eastern, Asian, and gay people, in emails exchanged while they were partners at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith. Following their departure to establish their own firm, Lewis Brisbois reportedly released numerous emails that corroborated these claims, showcasing the use of anti-gay slurs by Barber and Ranen. At the time of those revelations, Barber and Ranen issued a joint statement expressing shame and deep apologies. Barber did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Saturday.
A plea for Support Amidst Financial and Emotional Strain
Precinct DTLA’s representatives emphasized the toll the legal battle is taking. “Defending ourselves from Gonzales’ allegations was ‘draining us emotionally and financially,'” they wrote on Instagram.
In a direct appeal to their patrons and the wider community, the bar urged for support: “Come to the bar. Buy a drink. Order some food.Tip the staff. Show up.” The plea underscores the critical need for community engagement to help the establishment weather these critically important challenges.