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The far-reaching sexual harassment complaint against The Plaza Hotel — which alleges creepy comments, unwarranted groping, and “repugnant remarks” — has been amended to include sexual harassment charges against celebrity chef Todd English, who owns an eponymous food hall in the hotel.
The Daily News reports that English told server Gabrielle Eubank that she was “sexy” and he was “surprised you’re still single,” according to the complaint. The suit also alleges that on May 17, English, “who appeared to be intoxicated, began hugging Ms. Eubank and kissing her on the cheek repeatedly” before attempting to kiss her on the lips as well.
Besides the English accusation, Eubank alleges that other servers harassed her too, with one cook saying he had “a tiny burrito” for her. The suit also claims that a recently converted Messianic Jew found a noose hanging in his locker, and that hotel security attempted to block police involvement.
The new charges are a part of a lawsuit against the Plaza, originally filed in August, that accuses the hotel of forcing its female employees “to endure a culture of a different type — rape culture.” It’s a 50-page filing that outlines incidents in which male staffers are suggestive with pens, cucumbers, and bananas; brag about sexual conquests; and say things to female colleagues like “I want to take you to the back and fuck the shit out of you.” Plaintiffs ask for unspecified damages.
A spokesperson for The Plaza Hotel told the Post at the time, “Any attempt at harassment or discrimination toward our colleagues and guests has not and never will be tolerated.”
This is the latest development in a long line of unsavory actions from English, which include a 2014 drunk driving arrest and that infamous hot tub photo. English is also no stranger to lawsuits, settling several over the years. In NYC, he currently operates The Todd English Food Hall and Figs at LaGuardia and announced plans to open two new food halls in Times Square and Chelsea.
The Plaza Hotel and English did not immediately return Eater’s request for comment.
