Allegations Uncover Toxic Culture at Exclusive Manhattan Nightspot

An exclusive Manhattan venue frequented by high-profile figures, including Meghan Markle, Kamala Harris, and Leonardo DiCaprio, is facing serious accusations of creating a toxic work environment. A former employee has filed a lawsuit alleging widespread sexual harassment, drug use, and discriminatory practices among staff and management.

The Polo Bar, owned by Ralph Lauren and located on East 55th Street at Fifth Avenue, is described as having a culture riddled with rampant drug and alcohol abuse. The lawsuit claims that male supervisors often groped employees under the pretense of uniform checks, while managers and staff openly used cocaine during shifts. One worker alleged that employees would mix cocaine with water in spray bottles and absorb the drug through their skin while working.

The suit further accuses certain managers, including the events manager and international hospitality director, of inappropriate touching. It also alleges that the latter favored hiring attractive men, regardless of experience, with the intent of pursuing sexual relationships, which resulted in preferential treatment for those employees.

Additionally, the lawsuit highlights a disturbing “Rating Game,” where female customers were rated based on their attractiveness, reflecting a deeply problematic culture. The plaintiff claimed that male servers frequently made offensive sexual comments about female patrons.

The former employee, who worked as a server, stated he was terminated after raising concerns about the environment, claiming management ignored ongoing drug and alcohol use with little consequence. Nobiletti alleged that he was wrongfully dismissed in February 2024 for drinking at work, despite widespread casual drinking and drug use happening regularly since the restaurant’s opening in 2015.

In response, the Polo Bar issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to high standards and stating that Nobiletti’s termination was based on clear evidence of misconduct. They denied the allegations of a problematic environment and stated they conducted a thorough investigation, finding the claims to be unfounded.

Nobiletti is seeking unspecified damages, and his legal team has declined to comment further. Former staff members involved in the case could not be reached for additional remarks.