Former worker sues night club claims racial discrimination - New York News | NYC Breaking News

A former head of security for a River North nightclub is suing his former employers, alleging racial discrimination and a hostile work environment.

Samusi Adelekan claims that The Underground, a nightclub owned by William "Billy" Dec, refused entry or provided inferior service to certain African-American and Latino patrons because they did not fit the "UG look," according to a federal lawsuit filed Friday.

Employees at the nightclub used the terms "big and dark" and "ghetto" to refer to African-American and Latino patrons attempting to get into the club, the suit claims.

Adelekan complained to management in February about the club's "racist practices," according to the suit. In April, he was told he had to take a $10,000 pay cut without benefits and when he refused, he was fired.

Adelekan claims he was fired because he complained about the discrimination and hostile work environment.

The suit names Billy Dec and Arturo Gomez, owners of the club, as defendants along with Rockit Ranch Productions, Dana Dedina, Ben Newby, and Nick and Howard LLC.

The seven-count lawsuit alleges race discrimination, hostile work environment, retaliation, negligent supervision and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The suit asks a judge to issue an injunction restraining the defendants from discriminating based on race and an unspecified amount in damages.

"Although we have not yet had the opportunity to review the complaint, we categorically deny any wrong doing whatsoever," said Gomez in a statement. "We look forward to the opportunity to defend ourselves against what we believe to be nothing more than baseless falsehoods made by a former disgruntled employee."

Contact: Atty. Mary J. Grieb, (312) 226-4590.