These days, nobody’s safe…
Page Six is reporting that the legendary Friar’s Club – an exclusive mid-Manhattan hang spot for comedians and actors – was subject to an official FBI raid this week, according to “sources.” Feds took “computers and boxes of files” from the Friars as part of an ongoing financial investigation. Rumors of sexual harassment claims against club president Bruce Charet are also swirling.
Founded in 1904, the Friars Club is a members-only enclave made famous by classic comics like George Burns, Buddy Hackett, and Jack Benny, who hosted friends (like Frank Sinatra!) in the clubs dim, exquisitely outfitted private bars.
The Friars are perhaps best known for their roasts, star-studded and slightly vicious gatherings in honor of beloved members like, in early years, Milton Berle, Red Buttons, and even Lucille Ball.
In recent years, the club’s become a much calmer place – Jimmy Fallon is one of its highest-profile current members – and it hosts the annual Friars Club Film Festival.
They also hosted one future president, Mr. Donald Trump, in 2004; he was actually the recipient of his very own roast.
