NYC Restaurateur Keith McNally Claims Patti Smith Made Waitress Cry in 70s Incident
Key Insights
The Claim:: Keith McNally, owner of several NYC hotspots, claims singer Patti Smith made a waitress cry at the One Fifth restaurant in the 1970s.
The Incident:: The alleged rudeness stemmed from a waitress forgetting to bring bread to the table.
The Source:: The story comes from an excerpt of McNally's memoir, 'I Regret Almost Everything: A Memoir,' published by New York Magazine's Grub Street.
Context:: Smith reportedly frequented the restaurant with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. McNally contrasted Smith's alleged behavior with Mapplethorpe, whom he said did not belittle staff.
Public Reaction:: Social media responses have been mixed, with some corroborating stories of rudeness and others defending Smith or expressing surprise.
Why this matters:: This anecdote revives discussions about celebrity behavior, the treatment of service industry workers, and how past actions are remembered and recounted.
In-Depth Analysis
Keith McNally, a prominent figure in the New York City restaurant scene for decades, known for hotspots like Balthazar, Pastis, and Minetta Tavern, shared this anecdote from his early career in an excerpt from his upcoming memoir, 'I Regret Almost Everything: A Memoir'. The incident reportedly occurred at One Fifth, an iconic Italian restaurant popular in the 1970s, frequented by artists and notable figures.
McNally recounts that Patti Smith often dined there with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, sometimes joined by Mapplethorpe's patron and ex-lover, Sam Wagstaff. While McNally noted Mapplethorpe 'never tried to belittle' staff, he alleges Smith's interaction over forgotten bread was harsh enough to make a server cry.
This revelation echoes McNally's previous public confrontation with James Corden in 2022, whom he banned (and later unbanned after an apology) from Balthazar for alleged abusive behavior towards staff. These incidents highlight the power dynamics often present in the service industry and spark conversations about celebrity conduct and the treatment of hospitality workers.
Social media reactions to the Smith anecdote have been varied, with some users claiming to have witnessed similar behavior, while others expressed disappointment or defended the singer, suggesting she might have changed over the years or the context might be missing.
FAQs
Who did Keith McNally accuse of being rude?
Keith McNally accused singer Patti Smith of being 'incredibly rude' to a waitress.
When and where did this incident allegedly happen?
The incident allegedly took place in the 1970s at the now-closed One Fifth restaurant in NYC, where McNally worked as a general manager.
What specifically happened according to McNally?
McNally claims Smith reduced a waitress to tears because she forgot to put bread on the table.
Has Patti Smith responded to the claim?
The original news source mentioned reaching out to Smith's representatives for comment, but no public response has been widely reported yet.
Key Takeaways
Service Industry Respect:: The story serves as a reminder of the importance of treating service staff with courtesy and respect, regardless of one's status.
Celebrity Persona vs. Reality:: Anecdotes like this highlight that public image may not always align with private behavior.
Impact of Stories:: Recounted memories, especially from well-known figures like McNally, can significantly shape or alter public perception of celebrities, even based on events from long ago.
Discussion
This anecdote adds another layer to the long history of interactions between celebrities and service staff in NYC's vibrant restaurant scene. It follows McNally's previous public calling-out of James Corden for similar behavior, sparking debate about accountability.
Do you think such anecdotes change how you see a celebrity? Let us know!
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Sources & References
Source 1: NYC restaurateur Keith McNally reveals A-list celebrity who made waitress cry: ‘Incredibly rude’ target="_blank"
Source 2: Early Addition: Patti Smith accused of once making a waitress cry... - Gothamist target="_blank"
Source 3: Restaurateur Keith McNally reveals A-lister who made waitress cry | Daily Mail Online target="_blank"
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