Heights Casino Squash Scandal
Apparently, membership does NOT have its privileges. A local family says their daughters were sexually harassed by three of the club’s squash pros and the Casino did little about it. The NY Post reports, “Julie and Edward Burke claim The Heights Casino on Montague Street, “reluctantly” investigated their allegations, but hid its findings and disciplined no one, according to a petition filed in Brooklyn Supreme Court.” The papers also claim several other families complained to the Casino board.
Laurent Elriani, 42, husband of junior squash program director Linda Elriani allegedly compared the bust sizes of his young charges. Alberto Rezende is said to have openly bragged about engaging in carnal delights within close proximity to Bar Mitzvah guests when the club was “overrun” by children. A third, Fabian Kalaitzis, 43 reportedly flaunted his tinder account in front of young girls.
The Heights Casino. Offers a variety of attractive spaces— The Governors’ Room and Bar, Dining Room, Grill Room, Squash Courts, or Tennis Courts—and configurations to host breakfasts, luncheons, dinners, meetings, receptions, and celebrations. Egypt’s Nour El Tayeb and Nouran Gohar are top seeds for the 2020 Carol Weymuller Open Read more.
A spokesperson for the Brooklyn Heights Casino said, “All allegations of misconduct were thoroughly investigated by an independent third party and dealt with accordingly. We view this lawsuit as a baseless attempt to slander the Heights Casino and plan to defend our club vigorously.” The Elriani’s deny the allegations as false and are planning to “clear their good names” with a counter-suit.
The Heights Casino, located in historic Brooklyn Heights, was founded in 1904 as a private, community squash, tennis and social club. Its membership stands at over 400 families. The club has long been identified as a New York City squash strong-hold, with facilities that include 6 international singles courts, including 4 brand new ASB courts. The Heights Casino. Remember Me Need Login Help?
Heights Casino Squash Scandal
For some back story on the historic Flemish Revival building and the club’s less than inclusive past membership practices, check out Chuck Taylor’s archived post from 2012. The blog will post any further details of the case as it develops.