Magic City Responds to Backlash Over Hawks 'Magic City Monday' Night

Atlanta's famed nightclub says the event will highlight food, music and culture, not adult entertainment.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Atlanta's iconic Magic City nightclub is responding to criticism over its upcoming partnership with the Atlanta Hawks, saying the 'Magic City Night' event at State Farm Arena will feature no nudity and instead focus on celebrating the city's food, music and culture. The club's manager and a dancer defended the venue's reputation, arguing it has become a gathering place deeply tied to Atlanta's vibrant music and nightlife scene.

Why it matters

The promotion has sparked debate online, with some fans praising it as a celebration of Atlanta culture, while others have criticized the idea as inappropriate for a family-friendly environment. The controversy highlights the complex role of adult entertainment venues in local communities and the challenges of bridging different cultural sensibilities.

The details

During an interview on TMZ Live, Magic City manager JuJu Barney and dancer Yaya said the in-arena promotion tied to the club's 'Magic City Mondays' brand will not feature any nudity. 'There will be no nudity whatsoever, at all,' Barney said. 'There will be no signs of nudity, there will be no nudity at all. It's strictly just wings and music and people having a good time.' Barney also said the venue's identity has grown beyond its reputation as a strip club, describing it as a gathering place that has become deeply tied to Atlanta's music and nightlife culture.

  • The 'Magic City Night' event is scheduled for March 16, 2026 at State Farm Arena.

The players

Magic City

An iconic Atlanta nightclub that has operated for about 40 years and is widely credited with influencing the city's rap and hip-hop scene.

Atlanta Hawks

The professional basketball team that is hosting the 'Magic City Night' event at their home arena, State Farm Arena.

JuJu Barney

The manager of Magic City nightclub who defended the venue and the upcoming event in an interview with TMZ Live.

Yaya

A dancer at Magic City nightclub who also defended the venue's reputation and her experience working there in the TMZ Live interview.

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What they’re saying

“There will be no nudity whatsoever, at all. There will be no signs of nudity, there will be no nudity at all. It's strictly just wings and music and people having a good time.”

— JuJu Barney, Magic City Manager (TMZ Live)

“They've taken me across the globe. They helped support me throughout my entire mid-20s so far, and one thing that I have to say is I don't feel used, I don't feel degraded.”

— Yaya, Magic City Dancer (TMZ Live)

What’s next

The Atlanta Hawks have said the 'Magic City Night' event is still moving forward as scheduled on March 16, 2026 at State Farm Arena.

The takeaway

The controversy over the 'Magic City Night' promotion highlights the complex role of adult entertainment venues in local communities and the challenges of bridging different cultural sensibilities. While some see the event as a celebration of Atlanta's vibrant music and nightlife scene, others have criticized it as inappropriate for a family-friendly environment.