Numerous accusations of sexual harassment led to the dismissal of Hustler Casino Live co-founder Nick Vertucci from his position. This choice was made in response to a barrage of allegations that arose after poker player Julie McBride disclosed improper communications she got from Vertucci in public.
Effective immediately, Nick Vertucci will no longer be involved with High Stakes Poker Productions. We look forward to continuing to deliver the best high stakes poker content to the community.
— Hustler Casino Live (@HCLPokerShow) October 9, 2024
Immediate Removal and Community Response
On October 9, 2024, Hustler Casino Live announced via Twitter: “Effective immediately, Nick Vertucci will no longer be involved with High Stakes Poker Productions. We look forward to continuing to deliver the best high stakes poker content to the community.” This swift action reflects the casino’s commitment to addressing the allegations seriously.
McBride’s statements revealed troubling details about Vertucci’s behavior. Despite her clear indication that she was in a relationship, he repeatedly asked her out and sought private photos. Moreover, he allegedly reached out to her acquaintances in an attempt to gather damaging information about her.
The allegations against Vertucci did not stop with McBride. Prominent poker player Kitty Kuo shared that Vertucci had shown her inappropriate photos during a game. Additionally, Ash Kardash disclosed that he had proposed a “Sugar Daddy” arrangement to her. As these stories emerged, they sparked outrage within the poker community, leading to further calls for accountability.
One significant player, Nik Airball, publicly stated that he would refrain from participating in Hustler Casino Live until Vertucci was removed. His decision amplified the pressure on the casino’s management to act decisively. Veronica Brill, Vertucci’s co-host on a podcast, also confronted him about the allegations, revealing that he had misled her throughout their professional relationship.
As the scandal deepened, Hustler Casino Live made the difficult decision to sever ties with Vertucci entirely. Given his co-ownership of the business, discussions regarding a buyout are anticipated to follow. The situation has prompted broader scrutiny of Hustler Casino Live’s corporate culture, raising questions about whether others within the organization were aware of Vertucci’s behavior. Reports indicate that a dealer named Lauren lost her job after voicing her concerns about Vertucci’s actions.
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