Nick Vertuzzi of Hustler Casino Live Accused of Sexual Harassment
Date: 2024-10-08 Author: Alex Crawford Categories: POKER, PEOPLE
Controversies are common in the poker world, and in the digital age, such events can erupt in a matter of seconds. One of the most recent cases involves a popular poker player and social media influencer who has accused the producer of a famous poker tournament of unwanted advances. Nick Vertuzzi, the producer of Hustler Casino Live, is facing allegations from professional poker player Julia “The Queen of Palmdale.”
Sexual Harassment Allegations Emerge
Julia took to the platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to share her experiences, posting text messages she claims were exchanged between her and Vertuzzi. She said it was time to “break the silence,” alleging that the producer of the popular poker show harasses women and abuses his position to “stop witnesses from speaking out.”
The messages that Vertuzzi is accused of were released on Sunday, but they date back more than a year. In the messages, dated Sept. 21, 2023, Vertuzzi allegedly made sexual comments and unwanted advances toward Julia. The Hustler Casino Live producer allegedly wrote, “Are you playing tonight?” After Julia confirmed she would be playing, he responded, “You’re showing cleavage, right? Lol you have the best (orange emoji) ever! With respect, of course…”
The messages were sent on the day Julia appeared on Hustler Casino Live’s Thirsty Thursday, which Vertuzzi also appeared on. Interestingly, she posted a post from the show on X that same day, adding, “You say you want cleavage? Go Poker Fans!!”
Pro Poker Player Makes New Allegations
Later that day, Julia released an update, mentioning a dealer named Lauren. The poker player claimed that Lauren does not work for the Hustler Casino Live show. Furthermore, Julia claimed that the dealer reported “far worse harassment” than what was shown in her messages with Vertuzzi. “Every witness refused to come forward, the casino sided with Vertuzzi, and now Lauren is out of a job,” Julia wrote.
On Monday, Julia posted another update on the topic, calling for the dealer named Lauren to be brought back. “Bring Lauren back! “After the October 6, 2024 interaction, I have every reason to believe that the management and owners of Hustler Casino Live are supportive, caring, and want to do right by their employees and customers,” she wrote. Furthermore, Julia encouraged other employees who may have been victims of harassment to share their stories with HR, citing whistleblower protections.
