A civil lawsuit was filed in November 2025 by Christine DeMaria, a former dancer turned attorney, along with four co-plaintiffs, against two high-profile Manhattan clubs, Sapphire 39 and Sapphire 60. The complaint alleges that club management repeatedly ignored reports of assault and trafficking involving dancers. The litigation aims for systemic change in addition to financial damages and highlights the ongoing legal scrutiny of working conditions in the adult entertainment sector.
Story Highlights
- Christine DeMaria and four former dancers filed suit against Sapphire 39 and Sapphire 60 in November 2025.
- The complaint accuses management of neglecting reports of assault and trafficking within the clubs.
- The legal action elevates focus from traditional labor violations (wage theft, misclassification) to allegations of violent crime and trafficking.
- The cases could lead to industry-wide labor and safety reforms and potentially set new legal precedents.
Lawsuit Filed Against Two New York City Adult Clubs
Christine DeMaria, an attorney and former dancer, has initiated litigation against Sapphire 39 and Sapphire 60, two prominent gentlemen’s clubs in Manhattan. The lawsuit, filed in November 2025, includes claims from four additional former dancers, all alleging parallel experiences of exploitation and violence. The plaintiffs contend that the clubs’ management routinely failed to act on reports of assault and trafficking, demonstrating a pattern of institutional disregard for worker safety.
The legal action has drawn attention to constitutional issues concerning equal protection and accountability for businesses operating within the city. Previous legal actions, such as a $5 million class-action suit against Rick’s Cabaret in 2015 and a 2023 trafficking suit at Shenanigans, have previously addressed labor and criminal violations.
Stripper-turned-lawyer suing NYC jiggle joints for sex trafficking: ‘raped up against a wall’ https://t.co/7G3V156LrF pic.twitter.com/reItckCilX
— New York Post (@nypost) November 8, 2025
Management Response and Industry Context
The lawsuits describe a pattern where club management allegedly exercised significant control over dancers, contributing to a culture where reports of abuse were disregarded. The plaintiffs are seeking financial damages and systemic changes to how club owners are held accountable. Advocacy groups have cited dancers’ vulnerability—including stigma, power imbalances, and limited legal protections—as factors enabling recurring abuse.
The clubs have not issued public statements regarding the allegations. Legal proceedings and potential settlements will determine the outcome of the cases. The litigation’s progress will have both short-term and long-term consequences. Short-term effects include increased scrutiny of New York City venues, possible regulatory review, and reputational damage for the Sapphire clubs. Long-term, the case could influence industry reforms, potentially altering labor classification standards and strengthening dancer protections. Societal effects include increased public awareness of trafficking and abuse allegations, fueling calls for legislative action.
Legal experts and anti-trafficking advocates suggest that the adult entertainment industry’s structure, including worker misclassification and a lack of oversight, can enable abuse. While some industry insiders maintain that most clubs adhere to the law, survivor advocates argue that even isolated incidents can indicate systemic failures. The involvement of a former dancer as the lead plaintiff is noted as an unusual element that may influence public opinion and legal outcomes. Federal actions focused on combating trafficking and abuse provide a broader context of increased oversight in this area.
The final determination of the courts will assess the credibility of the plaintiffs’ claims and determine whether the lawsuits will result in substantial change within the adult entertainment industry.
Sources
Lawyer says NYC jiggle joints ignore assaults
Lawyer says NYC jiggle joints ignore assaults
Lawyer Alleges Assault, Sues NYC Clubs
