Former “Real Housewives of New York City” star Sonja Morgan stirred up controversy at the Noho restaurant Tucci over the weekend when she demanded her nearly $1,000 bill to be comped, citing her status as a single mother. Witnesses describe an emotional scene where Morgan allegedly shouted, “I’m a celebrity!” after receiving the check, insisting that she typically receives complimentary meals as part of her celebrity status.
Despite having enjoyed free meals at Tucci in the past, her assumptions led to a misunderstanding during a busy evening when she arrived with a party of five instead of the three she had initially reserved. The situation escalated when Morgan expressed her displeasure at the bill and attempted to speak with owner Max Tucci about the matter. Ultimately, after discussions failed to resolve the issue, Morgan was informed that there was no arrangement for her to receive a complimentary dinner.
Despite the turmoil, Morgan eventually settled her bill and included a tip. However, Tucci made it clear that Morgan is now blacklisted from his establishment, stressing that he felt it was crucial to defend his staff against what he perceived as an attempt to exploit their services.
Morgan later commented that there was a “clear miscommunication,” and she believed she was dining in exchange for a promotional post. As noted by Tucci, the rising costs of running a restaurant amplify the need for fair compensation for staff and services, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by hospitality businesses today.
While this incident may have put a damper on Morgan’s dining experience, it serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication and respect for service workers, regardless of one’s celebrity status.