Los Angeles, CA – A former bartender at Soho House’s exclusive Soho Warehouse in downtown Los Angeles has filed a lawsuit alleging she was drugged and sexually assaulted by a supervisor. The civil complaint, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, details a harrowing account of alleged harassment, assault and subsequent retaliation, raising serious questions about workplace safety and corporate responsibility within the high-profile members-only club. The case, brought by the plaintiff listed as Jane Doe, names Leonard Marcelo Vichique Maya, Soho House, Soho House Los Angeles, and Soho Warehouse as defendants.
The lawsuit alleges a pattern of disturbing behavior beginning shortly after Doe was hired as a bartender at Berenjak, the restaurant within the Soho Warehouse, in September 2025. According to the complaint, Vichique Maya subjected Doe to repeated sexual advances and unwanted physical touching. The allegations quickly escalated, culminating in an alleged assault after a “team-bonding” event on September 13th, where Doe claims she lost consciousness and awoke naked in Vichique Maya’s apartment. This disturbing incident forms the core of the legal action, with Doe alleging rape and seeking damages for the physical and emotional trauma she has endured.
Soho House, a global network of private members’ clubs known for attracting a clientele of celebrities and industry leaders, has faced scrutiny in the past regarding its internal culture. The allegations in this case add to growing concerns about the potential for abuse of power and the require for robust safeguards to protect employees. The lawsuit claims that despite Doe reporting Vichique Maya’s conduct to multiple supervisors, including the floor manager and food and beverage director, no meaningful action was taken to address the situation. This alleged inaction is a central component of the plaintiff’s claim of corporate negligence and indifference to workplace sexual violence.
Allegations Detail a Pattern of Harassment and Neglect
The complaint paints a disturbing picture of Vichique Maya’s alleged behavior. Doe alleges that Vichique Maya made numerous inappropriate comments about her appearance, repeatedly propositioned her, and made unsettling statements, including telling her she “would be pregnant by now” had they met earlier. These comments, according to the lawsuit, were often made within earshot of other employees, creating a hostile work environment. Following the alleged assault, Doe reported the incident to her floor manager, who, according to the suit, appeared to minimize the situation, stating, “These things happen between coworkers.”
Despite reporting the alleged rape to multiple managers, Doe claims she was repeatedly scheduled to work shifts with Vichique Maya, during which the harassment continued. In December 2025, Doe filed a formal complaint with Soho House human resources, expecting a thorough investigation and swift corrective action. However, the lawsuit alleges that the investigation was flawed and ultimately sided with Vichique Maya, finding Doe’s report “uncorroborated” and deciding against any disciplinary measures. Doe was subsequently placed on indefinite depart even as Vichique Maya continued to work, ultimately leading to her resignation in February 2026.
Soho House’s Response and Legal Scrutiny
As of February 28, 2026, representatives for Soho House and Vichique Maya have not issued a public statement regarding the lawsuit. AOL News reported that representatives were not immediately available for comment. The lack of an immediate response has drawn criticism from legal experts and advocates for victims of sexual assault, who argue that a swift and transparent investigation is crucial in such cases. The lawsuit seeks damages for sexual harassment, retaliation, and other related claims, aiming to hold both Vichique Maya and Soho House accountable for the alleged misconduct and its aftermath.
The case is being handled by Nick Yasman of Los Angeles-based West Coast Trial Lawyers, who issued a statement calling the situation “as egregious an instance of callous corporate indifference to workplace sexual violence that anyone can experience.” Yasman’s firm specializes in employment law and has a track record of representing victims of workplace abuse. The lawsuit is currently progressing through the Los Angeles Superior Court system, with further hearings and legal proceedings expected in the coming months.
Soho House: A History of Expansion and Financial Challenges
Founded in London in 1995, Soho House quickly gained popularity as an exclusive social club catering to individuals in the creative industries. The club expanded rapidly, establishing locations in major cities around the world, including New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. As of 2025, Soho House operated 48 houses in 19 countries, attracting a high-profile membership base and garnering significant investment. Early investors included Ron Burkle through his investment fund Yucaipa.
In 2021, Soho House pursued an initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange, but faced financial headwinds. Law360 reported that last year, the company ultimately went private, being acquired by a group of investors including Apollo Global Management and actor Ashton Kutcher, who also joined its board of directors, in a deal valued at $2.7 billion. This shift to private ownership reflects the challenges the company has faced in navigating the competitive landscape of the hospitality and membership club industry.
Key Takeaways
- A former Soho House bartender has filed a lawsuit alleging she was drugged and sexually assaulted by a supervisor.
- The lawsuit alleges a pattern of harassment and a lack of response from Soho House management after the incidents were reported.
- The case raises concerns about workplace safety and corporate responsibility within the exclusive members-only club.
- Soho House has not yet issued a public statement regarding the allegations.
The lawsuit is still in its early stages, and the allegations remain unproven in court. However, the case has already sparked a wider conversation about the prevalence of sexual harassment and assault in the workplace, particularly in industries known for their exclusive and often opaque cultures. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Soho House and other similar establishments, potentially leading to increased scrutiny of their internal policies and practices.
The next step in the legal process is expected to be a response from the defendants, followed by discovery and potential settlement negotiations. A preliminary hearing date has not yet been set. We will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
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