Purple Room Employee Attacked by Anti Vaxxer
media contact: DP&A, Inc/ David Perry (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com
Purple Room Employee Attacked by Anti Vaxxer
Alleged Assailant is Still at Large.
Public’s Help is Requested in Identifying Individual
2 December 2021 – Palm Springs, CA: On Tuesday, November 30, 2020, an employee at Palm Springs’ iconic Purple Room Supper Club was physically attacked and verbally abused by a patron who refused to show proof of vaccination, a requirement for entry to the Club in addition to all in-door dining establishments within the City. After jumping the employee, the individual attempted to push his way into the club while delivering an anti-vax diatribe screaming “I’m tired of you f**cking liberals. I’m going in the room.” After the attack, the individual was forced to leave and is still at large and unidentified. A video in the club recorded the incident and a photo of the alleged assailant. Both have been turned over to the Palm Springs Police Department who are investigating.
“This is not about politics. This is about public health,” said Purple Room spokesman David Perry who said that the employee’s name is not being revealed to protect their privacy, although the victim will be pressing charges. “It’s unconscionable and unacceptable that someone would not only endanger the health and welfare of others by not revealing their vaccination status, much less escalating to violence. The health and safety of our employees and all our guests is our first and foremost priority. We will pursue arrest and prosecution of the individual in question.’
According to Perry, there have been other incidents in which unvaccinated guests attempted entry to the Club and were verbally abusive when they were turned away. However, this was the first physical altercation.
The iconic Purple Room is widely recognized as one of the country’s premier supper clubs. Tucked away in the Club Trinidad Hotel, The Purple Room is where “the Rat Pack” — Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin and their pals – first performed their act in the 1960s. In 2015, the club was bought by performer and producer Michael Holmes who completely renovated it in high mid-century modern style. Closed during the worst of COVID, the Purple Room reopened in August 2021 and instituted the first “proof of full vaccination” protocol for any restaurant in Palm Springs, quickly followed suit by others throughout the Coachella Valley. When the Purple Room first announced its proof-of-vaccination policy, it was subject to several anti-vaccination social media posts and negative reaction, although the vast majority of response has been, and continues to be, supportive. The Purple Room requires proof of full vaccination for all guests and employees. Additionally, masks will also be required to enter and move about the club but may be removed at table while eating and drinking.