Soho House Bartender Accuses Supervisor of Drugging and Rape in New Lawsuit
A bartender at the exclusive Soho House membership club in Los Angeles has filed a lawsuit alleging that her supervisor drugged and raped her, with claims that the ritzy establishment failed to address her complaints adequately. The woman, identified only as Jane Doe in court documents, asserts that Leonard Marcelo Vichique Maya began assaulting her shortly after she started working at the club's restaurant Berenjak in September 2025.
Allegations of Harassment and Assault
According to the complaint obtained by the Los Angeles Times, Doe alleges she was subjected to repeated sexual advances and unwelcome physical touching by Vichique Maya. She claims he propositioned her to be his "hook-up buddy," made numerous comments about her appearance, and stated that had they met earlier, she "would be pregnant by now." These inappropriate remarks were reportedly made in front of other supervisors and colleagues, escalating the workplace hostility.
The situation allegedly intensified after a team-bonding event on September 13, where Doe says she became disoriented after drinking alcohol, lost consciousness, and woke up naked at Vichique Maya's apartment. The lawsuit describes her as "paralyzed and speechless" during the incident, forced to watch in horror as she was repeatedly raped while incapacitated.
Failure to Act and Retaliation Claims
Doe reported the alleged assault to her manager the following day, who reportedly confirmed that Vichique Maya appeared to be preying on her but dismissed it by saying "these things happen between coworkers." When Doe expressed she could not work with him, the manager allegedly responded, "I have a restaurant to run; I can't have it blow up on me." Despite informing three managers of the rape, she continued to work alongside Vichique Maya, during which she claims he continued to sexually harass her.
In December, Doe filed a complaint with Soho House human resources, who assured her an investigation would be opened and immediate corrective action taken. However, she was placed on indefinite leave during the probe, while Vichique Maya was allowed to keep working. The investigation concluded in January, determining the rape report was "uncorroborated" and no discipline would be imposed. Doe quit her job in February, citing the intolerable environment.
Legal Action and Broader Context
Doe has now sued Vichique Maya, Soho House, Soho House Los Angeles, and Soho Warehouse for sexual harassment, retaliation, and other claims. Her attorney, Nick Yasman, has been approached for comment, while information about Vichique Maya's lawyer is not immediately available. Soho House, founded in London in 1995 as a networking hub for creatives, has grown into a global chain with 48 houses across 19 countries, known for its selective membership costing around $6,000 annually for global access.
The company recently announced a $2.7 billion deal to go private, led by New York-based MCR Hotels, with stakeholders including Ron Burkle, Richard Caring, and founder Nick Jones retaining their stakes. Actor-turned-investor Ashton Kutcher also invested and joined the board, highlighting the club's high-profile connections amidst these serious allegations.
