The owner of a well-known strip club in Los Angeles is facing serious accusations related to a scheme designed to take control of two competing clubs. It’s reminiscent of a storyline from HBO’s “Euphoria.”
Craig Franze, who runs The Body Shop in West Hollywood, reportedly funded a lavish lifestyle marked by luxury vehicles, expensive jewelry, and a rental that costs $30,000 a month, according to a lawsuit filed recently.
In this legal action, his former close friend, Mike Galum—owner of the Bare Elegance strip club—and his son Jonathan accuse Franze of various crimes, including sex trafficking, illegal alcohol and drug sales, and running an underground poker game worth millions of dollars against him and a man named Archie Donovan.
If you haven’t seen the latest season of Euphoria, it involves a power struggle between Alamo Brown, a ruthless strip club owner, and violent drug dealers, adding a layer of tension that’s quite dramatic.
The alleged fraudulent scheme revolves around a $2.9 million payment made by the Garam family intended for Franze to secure control of two gentlemen’s clubs, 4 Play and Plan B. However, it’s claimed that he transferred ownership to his company, thereby excluding the Garams and keeping the money.
The lawsuit also states that Franze and Donovan took profits and corporate assets from both clubs, further complicating the issue.
Franze responded to the accusations, labeling them as false and an attempt at extortion. “This complaint lacks evidence and has not been substantiated,” he remarked. He claimed that Galam owes him millions and mentioned that his own legal action is on the horizon, which will detail the real story backed by evidence.
Galam, on the other hand, remarked that the complaint stands on its own merits.
The two men have shared a long friendship of over a decade, but the lawsuit indicates that their relationship has soured significantly.
During the pandemic, Franze reportedly struggled financially and moved in with Galum in Los Angeles. He allegedly started earning money through underground poker games, and one participant, Philippe Wisowaty, also known as Dazo, claimed he was never paid his winnings from these high-stakes games.
Wisowaty recalled playing in Franze’s poker games for four weeks, where he claimed to secure over $820,000 in chips but was misled about the actual amount. He also participated in a subsequent game, which featured notable figures like NBA Hall of Famer Paul Pierce, but alleges he received less than half of what he was owed.
Feeling betrayed, Dazo mentioned, “Franze will act like he’s your best friend until he turns on you, just like he did with many others, including Galar.”
Galam has also alleged that while Franze managed at Bare Elegance, he embezzled at least $1 million to sustain his extravagant lifestyle.
According to the lawsuit, this includes the purchase of luxury vehicles like a Rolls-Royce and a Maybach, as well as extravagant gifts for family and friends. Franze’s personal spending reportedly spiked after he took control of 4Play and Plan B, leading to life of opulence.
The legal action seeks to transfer ownership of Franze’s club to Galam.
