The Hillcrest Country Club, frequented by Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, faced scrutiny this week as a lawsuit accused the club of perpetuating racist practices, according to RadarOnline.com.
The lawsuit, filed on Monday in Los Angeles, painted the Los Angeles club as a “racist aristocracy” with “depraved standards,” outlining allegations of discriminatory behavior. Matthew Winnick, son of late telecommunications tycoon Gar Winnick, filed the suit, claiming retaliation for speaking out against the club’s actions.
One major accusation focused on the treatment of club staff, with claims of a “plantation-like essence” perpetuated by predominantly Hispanic employees serving primarily white members. “Perhaps no institution embodies the racial disparities and resistance to change more starkly than the infamous Hillcrest Country Club,” read Winnick’s complaint.
The lawsuit also accused the club of nepotism and neglecting issues like sexual assault and drug abuse. “It scoffs not only at laws barring discrimination; it also disregards reports of sexual assault and drug abuse,” charged the plaintiff. “In fact, Hillcrest promotes such unworthy (but racially acceptable) people who so engage and punishes those who complain.”
Winnick further alleged unfair rejection of his membership application, despite promised priority consideration due to his family’s association and previous payments totaling over $25,000 as an “intermediate” member.
