A former bartender at Soho House’s Soho Warehouse in downtown Los Angeles has filed a lawsuit alleging she was drugged and raped by a supervisor. The suit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, names Leonard Marcelo Vichique Maya, Soho House, Soho House Los Angeles, and Soho Warehouse as defendants.
Allegations of Harassment and Assault
According to the complaint, the plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, experienced “repeated sexual advances and unwelcomed physical touching” from Vichique Maya shortly after beginning her employment as a bartender at Berenjak, the club’s restaurant, in September 2025. Doe alleges that Vichique Maya made inappropriate comments about her appearance and propositioned her.
The lawsuit details an incident following a “team-bonding” event on September 13, where Doe says she lost consciousness after drinking with supervisors and coworkers. She awoke naked in Vichique Maya’s apartment, alleging she was repeatedly raped. Doe reported the alleged assault to her floor manager the following day.
Response and Subsequent Actions
Doe claims that her general manager acknowledged Vichique Maya “appeared to be preying” on her during the work event, but dismissed her concerns, stating, “These things happen between coworkers” and “I have a restaurant to run; I can’t have it blow up on me.” Despite reporting the alleged rape to three managers, Doe was reportedly scheduled for continued shifts with Vichique Maya, during which she alleges she was repeatedly sexually harassed.
In December, Doe filed a complaint with Soho House human resources. She was told an investigation would begin and “immediate corrective action” would be taken. Though, Doe was placed on indefinite abandon while Vichique Maya continued to work. A month later, she was informed the investigation found her report “was uncorroborated” and no disciplinary action would be taken against Vichique Maya.
Doe resigned from her position in February.
Company Background
Soho House, which debuted in London in 1995, attracted high-profile investors including Ron Burkle through his investment fund Yucaipa. In 2021, the company attempted an initial public offering but faced financial challenges. Last year, Soho House went private, selling to a group of investors including Apollo Global Management and actor Ashton Kutcher, who joined its board of directors, at a $2.7-billion valuation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jane Doe alleging?
Jane Doe alleges she was subjected to repeated sexual advances, unwanted physical touching, and rape by her supervisor, Leonard Marcelo Vichique Maya.
How did Soho House respond to Doe’s complaint?
Doe claims that after filing a complaint with human resources, she was placed on leave while her supervisor continued to work. She was later informed the investigation found her report “was uncorroborated” and no action would be taken.
What is the current status of the case?
A lawsuit has been filed in Los Angeles Superior Court against Vichique Maya, Soho House, Soho House Los Angeles, and Soho Warehouse.
What role does corporate responsibility play in addressing allegations of workplace misconduct?