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Former Dancer Alleges Gossip Bar Operated as Brothel

12/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Christine DeMaria, a former dancer, filed a lawsuit alleging Gossip Restaurant & Cigar Bar in Melville, Long Island operated as a 'thinly disguised brothel' selling dancers for sex in VIP rooms with guards.
DeMaria worked there from 2016 to 2022 and says she witnessed numerous sexual assaults and coercive practices.
She seeks $2.5 million for gender and sexual harassment, retaliation, and wage violations; Gossip's attorney did not comment.

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Story summary

Christine DeMaria, a former dancer, filed a lawsuit alleging Gossip Restaurant & Cigar Bar in Melville, Long Island operated as a 'thinly disguised brothel' selling dancers for sex in VIP rooms with guards.
DeMaria worked there from 2016 to 2022 and says she witnessed numerous sexual assaults and coercive practices.
She seeks $2.5 million for gender and sexual harassment, retaliation, and wage violations; Gossip's attorney did not comment.