Actress and influencer Daphne Blunt has accused the Hotel Bel-Air of racial discrimination, alleging she was singled out, aggressively carded, and ultimately refused service at the legendary five-star retreat. The accusations, detailed in a viral TikTok video posted on July 21, have ignited a significant social media backlash against the hotel.
Blunt, who has nearly half a million followers across TikTok and Instagram, stated that the incident began when she sat down for drinks with two white friends. A waiter requested her identification, and when she initially could not produce a physical ID, she offered a digital, government-issued ID from her Apple wallet, which was not accepted. Blunt later found her physical ID and credit cards in her Hermes Birkin bag.
According to Blunt, the restaurant and bar general manager then intervened. In a follow-up video, Blunt claimed that even after producing her physical California ID, a photo of her passport, and noting her birthday was Googleable, the manager refused service. Blunt stated the manager claimed the hotel could not risk losing its liquor license by serving her, a reason Blunt found suspicious, especially when her white friends' IDs were accepted without issue.
Blunt expressed her belief that the treatment was racially motivated, recalling past positive experiences at the hotel with her family. "I don’t feel comfortable supporting establishments that employ people who are being openly bigoted and racist because no one was there to tell her that she couldn’t," Blunt said.
The social media reaction was swift, with many users directing their criticism towards the Hotel Bel-Air's official Instagram page. Commenters expressed disappointment and called for accountability from hotel staff.
As of Thursday, Blunt stated she had not heard from the hotel regarding her complaint. She indicated her intention to pursue the matter, saying, "I have no intention of allowing this to blow over."
The Hotel Bel-Air, known as an ultra-private Hollywood hideaway for affluent guests, is now facing a public relations crisis amplified by the reach of influencer culture. The hotel did not respond to requests for comment.