Lawsuit Alleges Prostitution Practices at Long Island Strip Club

A lawsuit was filed by Christine DeMaria against Gossip Gentlemens Club and Lounge located in Melville, Long Island, alleging that the club engaged in prostitution practices involving its dancers. DeMaria, a former exotic dancer who now serves as an attorney, claims that women were coerced into performing sex acts in locked and soundproofed VIP rooms under threats of termination and blacklisting.

The lawsuit, submitted to the New York Supreme Court, accuses the club of facilitating sexual assaults despite its public 'no touching' policy. DeMaria alleges that dancers were charged nightly nonrefundable house fees ranging from $40 to $100, alongside mandatory tips to staff.

She reported that management pressured dancers to consume alcohol to lower their inhibitions with customers, who often became aggressive. DeMaria stated that refusing to comply with customer demands led to penalties or loss of shifts.

Specific incidents detailed in the suit include a manager pushing DeMaria into a VIP room where she witnessed coercion and assault of a coworker. The suit also claims that prohibited sexual acts occurred openly on stage.

DeMaria has since left the adult entertainment industry, earned her law degree, and established a nonprofit, SWITCH, to assist dancers and trafficking victims. She seeks accountability for the alleged abuses and aims to improve the working conditions for performers in the industry.

Gossip Gentlemens Club owner Brian Rosenberg and other management have not publicly commented on the allegations.