Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

RNC's Steele Dropped Cash at Sexy WeHo Club, L.A. Hotels

RNC-Michael-Steele.jpg

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.

The spending habits of Michael Steele, the first African American chairman of the Republican National Committee, are the subject of much scrutiny, including large amounts of money spent here in Los Angeles at hotels and clubs.

A story published today by The Daily Caller notes Steele's lavish spending and his rumored wish to purchase a private aircraft for his travels. FEC filings indicate a visit last month to our part of the country saw Steele dropping dollars in some dubious places:

A February RNC trip to California, for example, included a $9,099 stop at the Beverly Hills Hotel, $6,596 dropped at the nearby Four Seasons, and $1,620.71 spent [update: the amount is actually $1,946.25] at Voyeur West Hollywood, a bondage-themed nightclub featuring topless women dancers imitating lesbian sex.

Held at the 7969, Voyeur is described (largely with enthusiasm) on Yelp as being for lookers who'd rank "8 or above," people who enjoy bottle service and $20 valet, as well as "topless dancers dangling from the ceiling," and the alluring spectacle of "two girls simulating oral sex in a glass case."(h/t HuffingtonPost)

One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.

If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today