Las Perlas

Las Perlas Bar Security Forced Out Trans Women in Los Angeles | Eater LA

"Following a widely shared video showing bouncers roughly removing two transgender women—Jennifer Bianchi and Khloe Perez-Rios, who say they were targeted and harassed by another couple—Las Perlas, a downtown mezcal bar at 107 E. 6th St., Los Angeles, has faced protests and boycott calls. Bystander footage captured one woman being dragged with an arm around her throat and others pleading “don’t touch me like that,” and protesters later gathered outside with signs and asked customers to refrain from entering in solidarity. Owners Pouring With Heart and CEO Cedd Moses initially characterized the episode as an “escalated verbal altercation” before issuing an apology, firing the bar’s outside security company, announcing an internal investigation, retaining outside counsel to review footage, committing to hire a new security team that has received sensitivity training, and saying they will work with the community to address the situation; police are also investigating the incident as a potential hate crime. The group has said the incident is “not in alignment” with its values and is still planning to open a second LA-area location in West Hollywood before the end of the year." - Farley Elliott