NYC Restaurateur Keith McNally Reveals Shocking Encounter with ‘Incredibly Rude’ Music Icon Who Reduced Waitress to Tears

Keith McNally, a well-known restaurateur in New York City, has some strong words about an iconic musician from the past. In his upcoming memoir, I Regret Almost Everything, he reveals that Patti Smith was often quite rude to waitstaff at his restaurant, One Fifth, in the 1970s.

McNally, who was the general manager at the time, shares a memorable incident where Smith reportedly made a waitress cry over a forgotten bread order. He also mentions that while her boyfriend, the photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, could be terse, he did not belittle staff the way Smith did.

This revelation isn’t just a solitary case; it reflects a long-standing debate about the behavior of celebrities in public spaces. Research indicates that high-profile individuals often face scrutiny for their treatment of everyday workers. A recent survey by Harvard Business Review found that 65% of service workers report having a negative encounter with a famous person. McNally’s story adds to this narrative.

The backlash from the excerpt has sparked a mix of reactions online. While some users agree with McNally’s take, sharing their own experiences of witnessing Smith’s rudeness, others defend the singer. They argue that people change over time and that Smith is much kinder now. Comments on social media range from “I saw her rudeness firsthand” to “She was young and had her struggles.”

McNally is no stranger to controversy. In 2022, he called out talk show host James Corden for alleged rude behavior at another of his restaurants, Balthazar. Corden later apologized, which led to the lifting of his ban from the restaurant.

This conversation around celebrity behavior raises broader questions about accountability and respect in the service industry. With McNally’s memoir set to release on May 6, it will be interesting to see how these stories resonate with readers and influence perceptions of public figures.

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