Union Seeks Accountability for Inflatable Rat Attack

A union representing hospitality workers, Unite Here Local 25, is determined to uncover the identity of the individual who attacked Scabby, an inflatable rat, during a protest aimed at the grand reopening of the Greenwich Village restaurant Babbo on October 27.

The union has filed a request in a Manhattan court for video evidence from both inside and outside the Waverly Place establishment. They are specifically looking for any “correspondence” about Scabby from the restaurant’s owners, including celebrity chef Stephen Starr’s Starr Restaurant Organization. Additionally, court documents indicate that they are seeking personnel records for employees who were present during the incident.

In a filing with the Manhattan Supreme Court on November 21, the union called for the owners to provide the necessary information to help identify the suspects involved in the attack.

Furthermore, they are requesting customer information, such as credit card receipts and reservation records, to support their investigation.

Mr. Starr, who acquired the renowned Italian eatery Babbo—previously run by Mario Batali—was set to reopen the restaurant after its closure earlier this year due to Batali’s departure following sexual misconduct allegations. Before the reopening, a confrontation occurred where someone allegedly exited the restaurant to slash Mr. Scabby.

According to union documents, the attacker is described as a Caucasian male, roughly six feet tall, with a crew cut of blonde or light hair, and dressed in a suit resembling that of Babbo’s waitstaff.

While setting up Scabby, a union member reported being approached by someone claiming to be part of Starr’s staff, who demanded the inflatable rat be taken down and threatened to involve the police.

After several minutes, a police officer nearby observed a “rush of air” coming from Scabby and noticed an individual holding a small knife, as claimed by the union.

“Local 25 filed this lawsuit to identify the person responsible for attacking Scabby,” stated Benji Cannon, a spokesperson for the union, mentioning their intention to pursue legal action once the suspect is identified. “This kind of violence should not disrupt a peaceful protest.”

As of now, the Starr Restaurant Group has not responded to inquiries for comment.