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The Chatterbox Jazz Club, a Mass Ave live music destination for more than 40 years, is being viewed as a new battleground in the culture wars following the release of a video in which a woman wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat is told to leave the bar because of her support for President Donald Trump.
Indianapolis resident Elise Hensley recorded the exchange, which took place Friday. The video went viral over the weekend after she indicated in social media posts that she was denied service because of her political beliefs.
David Andrichik, owner of the Chatterbox, 435 Massachusetts Ave., told the IBJ that Hensley’s video doesn’t tell the whole story of her visit to the bar. Andrichik said Hensley visited the Chatterbox on St. Patrick’s Day weekend with three other people.
The group, Andrichik alleges, insulted Chatterbox employees—including an instance of misgendering a bartender whose pronouns are she/her—and were asked to leave. Hensley returned and began recording. Andrichik said he believes the bar was the victim of a set-up designed to result in a viral video.
“I think they were targeting us because of our pride flag outside,” he said. “They intentionally came in to get the lay of the land and then saw the opportunity to begin the argument … and to rile us up. That’s how it began.”
An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson said the agency is aware of a report made on Sunday regarding an incident on Friday at the bar’s address but did not provide additional details. IBJ has requested a copy of the report, which Andrichik said was not filed by the bar.
Hensley declined to be interviewed when reached by IBJ but said the Chatterbox’s depiction of events is inaccurate. She said in an interview on The Hammer and Nigel Show on WIBC-FM 93.1 that she filed the police report. She also said on the radio show Monday afternoon that she had gone to the bar to see a friend play music and that no one told her the bartender’s pronouns are she/her.
Hensley’s video, which subsequently was posted on multiple social media platforms, sparked a flurry of online reaction. People supporting Hensley peppered the bar’s Yelp profile with 1-star reviews. The Chatterbox, meanwhile, has received strong support from members of the city’s music community.
In the video, Hensley is heard but not seen. She acknowledges that she’s wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat to support President Trump.
In the video, a bartender says, “Get out of this bar.”
Hensley replies, “Why?”
“Because you’re a Trump supporter.”
“I know. But don’t you guys want our money?”
“No. Actually, we don’t.”
The bartender also holds a baseball bat and uses it to tap the floor while speaking with Hensley.
On Sunday, Hensley spoke to WISH-TV Channel 8 about the incident and her interaction with the bartender.
“We went up to the bar, and before we could even get a word out or order a drink, he just looked at me and said, ‘No,’” Hensley told the TV station about the bartender. “I said, ‘Excuse me?’ He said, ‘Absolutely not.’ He said, ‘Your hat. You need to leave right now.’”
Hensley also used the pronouns he/him to describe the bartender on The Nigel and Hammer Show, even after she was told the bartender used the pronouns she/her.
Andrichik told IBJ that the Chatterbox doesn’t discriminate against customers for expressing political beliefs. But the bartender’s stated decision to bar Hensley for being a Trump supporter “was an accurate reflection of that argumentative exchange when we were set up,” Andrichik said.
As part of a Sunday Instagram post, the bar’s management wrote, “The Chatterbox is home to a diverse group of staff and patrons. We do not tolerate dehumanizing language or symbolism in our establishment. We have a right, by law, to refuse service to anyone who disrupts our business.”
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Multiple social media posts, police report AND a WIBC radio interview. This sounds like somebody with an agenda going out looking for a fight.
Could be, Dan M. Whatever happened here is not representative of the bar owner. Great guy. Contributor to the neighborhood.
If that’s true, then the xim/xir on the video clearly took the bait.
Competing claims on both sides. The only proof of what’s real is what the video shows, which is a man with a bat threatening a woman.
And the account of the TWO exchanges by patrons, etc.
Then you are admitting you easily fooled. James O’Keefe, a Republican provocateur from Project Veritas set people up with false video scenarios. This is the same thing.
There is no man holding a baseball bat in that video.
Also, holding a baseball bat is not illegal.
There’s XY chromosomes that disagree with you..
Guessing Matt is playing cutsie gender games with his comment, but the bartender IS showing a baseball bat and IS implying physical assault based on the patron’s political affiliations
It’s his bar. Last time, I checked we have private property in the US. Political affiliation, of any kind, is not a protected class in Indiana. When you are told to leave a private business, you pick your butt up and leave. You don’t come back to stir up trouble.
Go patronize somewhere else, and move on.
Christopher B, you are correct.
It was also the right, in the 1950s/1960s James Corvid era, of private movie theater owners to place distinct loft space for their theater goers who had a bit more melanin.
Same political party as it ever was. So predictable.
Here’s a recounting of the incident by Hoosier Enquirer, a non-profit organization with no political affiliation:
“Elise Hensley, a patron at Chatterbox Bar in Indianapolis, attacked the bartenders while using homophobic slurs directed at the gay staff members. According to our investigation, Hensley approached the bar with friends and was asked to leave. She then re-entered the establishment to record a short video of herself being ejected, later claiming discrimination despite her earlier use of derogatory language toward the bartenders.
“Further research revealed that Elise Hensley has since deleted her Facebook account. She operates a branding and design business called Elise Hensley Design, with a company website at elisehensleydesign.com and an Instagram business profile at instagram.com/elisehensleyde….
“Hoosier Enquirer, a non-profit organization with no political affiliation, is sharing this information to combat the spread of misinformation online regarding this incident.”
Yeah, sure……
No idea what non profit has to do with anything, but a “journalist” that wasn’t there writing a paragraph after the incident is not exactly “combating misinformation”
Side note: hop on their website and read an article or two. To call it sophomoric writing would be a complement
Part 2 for the rest of the class
Randy’s source with “no political affiliation” features multiple posts by “writer” Sam Keen, who in his signature line calls himself Democrat Strategist
Sam also has a post/story bizarrely supporting Gabe Whitley.
Nate, you need to get Randy and Sam on staff asap!
Wait for it…. I am willing to admit a mistake. I know that is unheard of in this world. But I quoted the Hoosier Enquirer verbatim in re their political independence. Not sure it matters much when the issue is the customer intentionally stirred up trouble with gay slurs. Go ahead and defend that if you want. I’m sure there are plenty of IBJ commenters that are homophobic, among other distasteful traits.
Since the left is so tolerant of all, they would Never Ever act like this….Ha, Kidding! Who is at all shocked by the bartenders behavior? Not me.
Neither is anyone of your comment.
Learn to spell and use basic grammar.
The unfortunate thing is the business owner is ultimately going to suffer. Sales will drop.
The business owner can’t win in this situation.
Not a chance. There will be more people there from now on just to make sure bigots do not show up again.
Are you unfamiliar with Mass Ave? If anything, this will bring more people to the bar. I’m not sure if there are any measurements, but I’m pretty sure the Mass Ave area is the most liberal neighborhood in the entire state. It’s certainly the most queer friendly neighborhood in Indiana.
You Trumpers weren’t going to downtown Indy, let alone Chatterbox, in the first place.
You can’t boycott a place you already weren’t going to.
Anyone who patronizes that bar is not the sort who would be offended by those two being kicked out. If anything, it may increase his business.
It has been nothing short of amazing to see the overwhelming support for the owner and the bar. Not that this would ever be considered for a publicity stunt, but the community (and I don’t just mean the gay community) the music community and their supporters are turning up in force to support a staple. Dave hopefully won’t even lose sleep over this, let alone the cost of the shirley temple that the agitator was drinking.
Oh no!! A setup?!? What happened? Did 2 Democrats drive across the country to order a cake?
Pretty clear this was a setup to get a reaction.
Bar was there before MAGA, will be there after.
This doesn’t help your argument, Ryan.
Not arguing anything, stating facts, DonALD.
Elise is mistaken if she thinks The Chatterbox needs the support of people like her to remain successful. She’s simply proving herself to be a clown with an agenda. If anything, I expect this incident to have a positive impact. The Chatterbox will go on long after Elise’s own business tanks.
This is news in the IBJ? wow
They are the Indianapolis “Business” Journal. They report on things that affect Indianapolis (and Indiana) businesses.
MAGA bigots showing up at a business and then manufacturing a media splash is definitely something that is affecting businesses across the country and this story is local and specific. This sounds like a business affecting news story that should get coverage by a credible source.
Well, I guess all these comments are better than using guns to settle the opinions and perspectives.
Hey
If there were ever an election for Mayor of Mass Ave and David Andrichik was a candidate, he would run unopposed. Actually, no election is needed, he is the unofficial Mayor of Mass Ave. And a darn good one! There are very few if any who could match David’s long and dedicated career supporting Downtown Indy businesses, organizations, events and neighbors. Over 35 years and still going strong!
I have known David for over 40 years, and have no reason to believe that what he has stated is anything but true.
Republicans in the comments section demonstrating exactly why they aren’t welcome in such establishments…
You need more juice than this if you want to kickstart a conservative media career. Getting owned by bar staff, laughed at, and then going to whine on a graveyard one-market radio show is not going to cut it. James O’ Keefe – say what you will of the guy – at least made his bones with a bit of showmanship and theatrical instincts.
This lady not only refused to show her face, but also didn’t readily identify herself in the video or via its various repostings over social media until the local news reached out to her. So honestly, I don’t believe she was trying to capitalize off this. I think this is a case of four intoxicated jerks looking to save face after failing to get over on the “liberal” bartenders.
It’s embarrassing to be booted from a bar. I learned that early into my own adulthood. Though, I wasn’t subject to this sick impulse everyone has now with a camera in their pockets – this delusion that MY own interpersonal conflicts need to be broadcast to the world, and elevated into representing some kind of social ill.
Listened to part of the “Nigel and Hammer” interview. This lady FILED A POLICE REPORT, and wants to SUE the bar. Excuse me, I have to go laugh some more.
It’s heartbreaking to see another situation where division overshadows our shared humanity. Regardless of political beliefs, we must remember that how we treat one another matters deeply. Civility, kindness, and listening with care should be at the heart of our interactions.
James 1:19 reminds us, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” When we take the time to truly hear one another, we open the door for understanding instead of fueling conflict.
Jesus also taught in Mark 12:31, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” That love isn’t just for those we agree with but for all. We need to resist the urge to vilify and instead seek common ground, respecting the dignity of every person.
Let’s strive to foster an environment where we can disagree without hate and where compassion leads the way. If we listen with open hearts, we may find more that unites us than divides us.
Regardless of our spiritual belifs,This just makes sense.
It’s good to kick nazi’s out of public places, actually
The Nazi regime had a true Dictator, committed mass genocide in the millions, and committed atrocities at a level and scope too horrific to document
Michael doesn’t like Republicans who wear hats, so he compares them to Nazi’s, which is a perfectly reasonable and rational comparison.
Michael also thinks it is good to kick Republicans wearing hats out of “public places”
Nate, you only attract the best and brightest here at the Indy View
Thank you, Don B for pointing out what’s really important. If we were more accepting of people for their kindness or lack of it instead of how they look or where they worship or who they love, the world would be a better place to live
Completely agree Lee!
Re-entering to take a video of her expulsion. Going to WIBC to bemoan her experience.
All that is missing from this story is JD Vance saying patrons at the bar eat dogs and cats.
LOL
Perhaps the bar has video to support their side. If not, they should so we can evaluate both sides. This type of social media attack is always one-sided and far too often a scam. If you have a problem, call the police. Sounds like she’s had to go dark and her business may be negatively affected too, which bodes the question, was it worth it?
One can only hope that the backlash shuts her down.
The anti-woke (MAGA crowd) is getting hilariously “woke” and, whiny to boot. The whole thing is silly. You wear a MAGA hat innocently(??) into a bar on Mass Ave and not expect a reaction? Well you’re going to get one — really isn’t that what you want? I too am tired of intolerance…running rampant these days, but a bar on Mass Ave is not going to suffer the wrath of MAGA people. I really want to know what you think wearing the MAGA hat is going to get you. First off, wearing a baseball cap already shaves several points off your IQ, wearing it backwards — you lose more points — wearing it with MAGA or any political in-your-face statement. Well, you’re now kicked out of the MENSA Club.
But were you ever really IN the MENSA Club? Not if you are wearing a MAGA hat.
MAGA attire on Mass Ave is like wearing Pride or rainbow attire to Mucky Ducks or any random bar in Beech Grove. Not a great idea unless you’re wanting to start something.
Intolerance vs. Intolerance = 0 Lovely ending. Congrats.
I see the “I support drag queen story hour” crowd came out to support the real fascists in our country, the oh so tolerant-intolerant left. What if a bartender refused to serve a person wearing a rainbow hat? The left would be apoplectic.
Here is the true character of the MAGA hat wearer, in her own words. She clearly has no hatred for trans people: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16TZEeGQjA/