Seaside Heights targeted Karma over too many black, gay patrons: Lawsuit

SEASIDE HEIGHTS - The owner of Karma nightclub has sued Seaside Heights in federal court, claiming police and borough officials unfairly targeted his business because he would not accede to their demands to stop hosting events that could attract African-American and gay patrons.

The borough's’ mayor, council, municipal employees and police officers “has implemented and maintains an unconstitutional, discriminatory and racist policy, practice and/or custom of discouraging and limiting African-American and LGBTQ (Lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, queer/questioning) visitors to Seaside Heights," according to the lawsuit filed in Trenton.

It was filed on behalf of John P. Saddy, a Toms River resident who has operated nightclubs and bars in the borough for more than 25 years.

The lawsuit claims Seaside officials conspired to punish Saddy after the nightclub owner objected to the borough's "prohibition" on his playing hip hop and rap music in his nightclubs and the borough's attempts to limit the number of African-American patrons.

Read more: https://www.app.com/story/news/investigations/watchdog/government/2018/11/16/karma-nightclub-owner-says-seaside-heights-targeted-him-hosting-black-atarnd-gay-patrons/2010931002/