Former Soho House Bartender Sues Over Alleged Drugging and Rape

Lawsuit claims supervisor sexually assaulted employee and company failed to properly investigate

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:15am

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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, names the supervisor, Leonard Marcelo Vichique Maya, as well as Soho House, Soho House Los Angeles, and Soho Warehouse as defendants.

Why it matters

The allegations in this case highlight the potential for significant legal and reputational risks for companies when claims of workplace sexual violence are not thoroughly investigated and addressed. A finding of 'uncorroborated' evidence does not necessarily negate the harm experienced by the plaintiff, and can raise questions about the fairness and impartiality of the investigative process.

The details

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 began working as a bartender at Soho House's Soho Warehouse in September 2025.
  • The alleged incident of drugging and rape occurred on September 13, 2025.
  • Doe reported the alleged assault to her floor manager the following day.
  • In December 2025, Doe filed a complaint with Soho House human resources.
  • In January 2026, Doe was informed the investigation found her report 'was uncorroborated' and no disciplinary action would be taken.

The players

Jane Doe

A former bartender at Soho House's Soho Warehouse in downtown Los Angeles who has filed a lawsuit alleging she was drugged and raped by a supervisor.

Leonard Marcelo Vichique Maya

A supervisor at Soho House's Soho Warehouse who is accused of sexually assaulting Jane Doe.

Soho House

The company that operates the Soho Warehouse location in downtown Los Angeles where the alleged incident occurred.

Soho House Los Angeles

The Los Angeles branch of the Soho House company that is named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

Soho Warehouse

The specific Soho House location in downtown Los Angeles where the alleged incident took place.

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What they’re saying

“These things happen between coworkers. I have a restaurant to run; I can't have it blow up on me.”

— General Manager

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for companies to thoroughly investigate and address allegations of workplace sexual violence, as failure to do so can result in significant legal and reputational risks.