Lawsuit Alleges Prostitution at Long Island Strip Club

A lawsuit has been filed against Gossip Gentlemen's Club and Lounge in Melville, Long Island, alleging that dancers were coerced into prostitution. Former exotic dancer Christine DeMaria, now an attorney, claims she was trafficked to customers and forced to perform sex acts in locked, soundproofed rooms.

Filed in New York Supreme Court, the lawsuit accuses the club’s owner, Brian Rosenberg, and senior manager Spiro Anastasiadis, of facilitating sexual assaults despite the club's advertised 'no touching' policy.

DeMaria alleges she was fired after reporting unsafe conditions and subsequently blacklisted from other clubs. The lawsuit includes claims of sexual harassment, human trafficking, gender discrimination, and violations of New York State's Human Rights Law.

It does not specify damages. DeMaria describes being pressured to drink alcohol to lower inhibitions and facing threats of termination for refusing customers. She states, 'I want them held accountable so no dancer is ever told that assault is just part of the job.' DeMaria has previously filed similar lawsuits against other strip clubs claiming sexual assault.

After leaving the industry, she founded a nonprofit to assist dancers and trafficking victims.