Jay-Z Facing a Big 'Boycott' Problem Amid Oscars Season Over THIS Reason
Jay-Z is known for being one of the famous celebrities who throw parties after the Oscars ceremony. However, this year, he's facing a big problem as many fans, activists, online users, and workers are boycotting his plans to hold the event in a specific venue; what happened?
According to Insider, numerous people are urging the "Empire State of Mind" rapper to move his annual post-Oscars event called "Gold Party" as the venue, the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, California, has been facing controversies like sexual harassment, racial discrimination, and labor violations.
Before this year's Academy Awards, where his wife Beyoncé is set to perform her nominated track "Be Alive," the rapper has been throwing parties that many celebrities attend.
Last year, the famed "Gold Party" was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but many stars graced their events like Adele, Rihanna, and more.
On Friday, former workers of the hotel and Black clergy leaders held a press conference where they expressed their feelings over Jay-Z's plan, saying they wanted him to move the party into a different venue.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, Pastor William D. Smart Jr. spoke out at the conference, saying it's unfortunate the musician has not responded to the workers.
At the time of this writing, neither Jay-Z nor Beyoncé have spoken out or made a move about the matter.
The Issue About Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles
According to the outlet, over 248 employees were laid off from their jobs at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic without health insurance or severance packages.
In addition to the issue that started in March 2020, there were Black former employees who filed lawsuits against the hotel, saying that there were discrimination and sexual harassment issues.
Among the legal cases was Adrian Jules' experience. He was a guest relations employee who received explicit texts from a white female co-worker.
He was disregarded when he reported the incident to the hotel's management.
Another one was Thomasina Gross, a former events server who filed a lawsuit in 2021, saying she experienced harassment and racial discrimination while working.
Kurt Peterson, co-president of Unite Here Local 11, one of the organizations that are boycotting the hotel, told the outlet that they have reached out to Jay-Z and his representatives, but they never got a response.
A spokesperson for the hotel, which is not unionized, issued a statement, saying more than 40 former employees have been re-hired.
