Jay-Z Under Fire For Hosting Oscars Afterparty At Chateau Marmont During Hotel Boycott

BY Erika Marie 4.5K Views
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Employees have accused the hotel of racial discrimination and sexual harassment, and the union reportedly plans to picket the party.

It is a location that has historically hosted Hollywood's elite but in recent years, Chateau Marmont has faced a new wave of controversy. The hotel is in the heart of West Hollywood has seen its fair share of scandals, including being the scene where comedian John Belushi passed away from a drug overdose. Even with its tragedies, Chateau Marmont is a coveted location in Hollywood as it is often where the rich and famous host their events, and this weekend, Jay-Z has reportedly planned an afterparty for the Academy Awards.

Jay and Beyoncé's Oscar parties are said to be some of the most fun that entertainers have had after learning their award fates, but not everyone is impressed about this year's location. 

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Chateau Marmont is in the thick of accusations from employees that have listed off serious complaints. According to The Hollywood Reporter, a boycott has been set forth by the local hotel worker's union after employees alleged they were subjected to "racial discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace."

“For Jay-Z to choose the Chateau Marmont for their Gold Party is shockingly insensitive,” said Kurt Petersen, co-president of Unite Here Local 11, in a statement. “They must move their event and choose an afterparty hot spot that treats its workers, especially Black women, with dignity and respect. Jay-Z has a responsibility to do better.” He added: “We hope Jay-Z joins Gabrielle Union, Spike Lee, Issa Rae, Robin Thede, Quinta Brunson, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Roxane Gay, Ashley Nicole Black and Samira Wiley in boycotting Chateau Marmont.” 

It has also been reported that the union has planned on protesting the event with a picket line. A representative for Jay-Z has not commented on the controversy at this time. The Academy Awards premiere this Sunday, March 27. 

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.