UNITE HERE Local 11 Announces Growing Support of Chateau Marmont Boycott as Stonewall Democratic Club and WeHo Elected Leaders Sign On

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Stonewall Democratic Club has pledged to boycott the Chateau Marmont until it demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that all workers—regardless of their race, sex, or background—feel treated with dignity and respect.

The Chateau Marmont fired virtually its entire workforce in March 2020, leaving workers who had dedicated decades of their lives to the hotel without job security or affordable healthcare during the pandemic. Many of the hotel’s workers have since spoken out about their experiences working at “Hollywood’s Playground,” prompting an outcry of concern from community leaders.

Former worker Thomasina Gross filed a lawsuit in late January alleging that she experienced race discrimination and sexual harassment while working at the famed hotel. In her lawsuit, Ms. Gross alleges the hotel has a racially stratified workforce where the most desirable jobs tend to be filled by white workers or light-skinned people of color who fit the Chateau’s “look,” while less desirable jobs tend to be filled by workers of color. Ms. Gross, who is African-American, alleges she repeatedly sought promotions to better paid and more stable positions for which she was qualified, but she was overlooked in favor of white employees. In addition, the lawsuit alleges that in the Chateau’s “anything goes” party atmosphere, guests—especially when drunk or under the influence of other substances—touched Ms. Gross without her consent.

In response to the workers’ appeals, community leaders have voiced their support for the Chateau Marmont workers and their campaign for justice and accountability. Supporters include West Hollywood mayor Lindsey Horvath and city councilmembers John Erickson and Sepi Shyne and state senator Ben Allen, Hollywood luminaries Jane Fonda and SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris, and the Hollywood chapter of the National Organization for Women. The Stonewall Democratic Club, a leading voice advancing equality for all, is the latest organization to announce their support for the Chateau’s workers.

"The decision to boycott the Chateau Marmont was clear. The workers of the Chateau Marmont are part of our community and they deserve to work in a place where they are treated with dignity and respect," said Jane Wishon, Political Vice President of Stonewall Democratic Club.

West Hollywood councilmember John Erickson tweeted his support, saying: “I will not visit or stay at the Chateau Marmont until they listen to the voice of their workers and create a dignified and respectful environment for all staff, and we invite others to join us in this commitment.”

Last month, Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón stated: “I am aware of the civil lawsuit and allegations made regarding the Chateau Marmont Hotel. Workers can often feel powerless when dealing with hostile workplaces, dangerous work conditions, and wage theft. I am committed to protecting workers in Los Angeles County.”

UNITE HERE Local 11 is a labor union representing over 32,000 hospitality workers in Southern California and Arizona who work in hotels, restaurants, universities, convention centers and airports.