Celebrity Party Planner Recounts A-Lister's 'Outrageous' Demands and Singer's 'Rude' Behavior
Jeff Krauss of IE Group shares anecdotes about celebrity requests, from George Clooney's seating preferences to a mystery A-lister's extensive rider.
Jeff Krauss, president of IE Group and a party planner with two decades of experience, has revealed some of the unusual demands and behaviors he has encountered while working with celebrities.
Krauss told the Daily Mail that while many stars are "very nice" and "humble," some "egos come into play." He noted that George Clooney, whom he described as one of the nicest people he has worked with, prefers to sit in the main dining area of a restaurant, in a slightly secluded spot that offers privacy while still allowing him to experience the atmosphere.
Hilaria Baldwin, wife of actor Alec Baldwin, has a specific preference for a corner table at ZOI Nomad and always orders fish, according to Krauss. Meanwhile, Alan Cumming is particular about his diet, always opting for vegan food or a vegan-friendly restaurant when dining with a group.
Conor McGregor, the MMA fighter, enjoys steakhouses and cigars. Krauss mentioned that McGregor's requests are generally not an issue because he is known to tip generously, often leaving thousands of dollars for good service.
Krauss also recounted an incident where a mystery A-list actor, who was to appear at a fan convention for one to two days of meet-and-greets, submitted an "outrageous" rider. The demands included an all-expenses-paid week-long vacation in New York City, a rocking chair, a stationary bike, and private travel. Krauss stated that the rider's cost would have exceeded the actor's payment for the convention appearance, leading to the deal falling through. He suggested that the identity of this actor, who is still active in the industry and known for a "charismatic" reputation, would surprise many.
The planner also described dealing with a "huge" DJ who was significantly late for a performance, causing anxiety among the event organizers and attendees. Krauss maintained a calm demeanor to reassure everyone while attempting to manage the situation. When the DJ finally arrived, Krauss prioritized the audience's experience over confronting the artist about the delay.
In another instance, a male singer reportedly threw a tantrum when his champagne bottle was not delivered promptly. The singer allegedly told Krauss, "Give it to somebody that's homeless. I don't need it. I'm out." Krauss later discussed the incident with the singer's publicist, resulting in an apology and resolution.
Krauss stated that he has learned to brush off such incidents and that difficult celebrities are the exception rather than the rule. He attributes his success as a go-to planner for celebrity events to "timing and consistency" and fulfilling his promises, ensuring that clients and their guests have a positive experience.