Hotel Bel-Air has launched an internal investigation following accusations of racism by actress Daphne Blunt. Blunt, known for her role in "The Young & the Restless," detailed her experience on TikTok, claiming a staff member at the upscale Los Angeles hotel publicly humiliated her.
Blunt stated that during a recent visit for dinner and drinks with friends, a server requested identification. She explained that she initially could not locate her ID but offered a digital version from her Apple Wallet. According to Blunt, the server then consulted with a manager. After eventually finding her physical ID in her purse, Blunt alleged that a different staff member refused to accept her valid California identification, while readily accepting her friends' IDs, who are white. Blunt felt this was a racially motivated action.
"She was totally willing to accept both of my friend's IDs, who are both white. I'm just really baffled by this and questioning her on it and asking her to explain and she's like, 'We can't [serve you], we can risk losing our liquor license by serving you.' Only me though, not my two friends," Blunt recounted in her video.
She further claimed that when she is accompanied by her white father, she is never asked for identification at the establishment. Blunt expressed that the incident left her feeling humiliated and has made her hesitant to patronize the hotel.
In response to the allegations, Hotel Bel-Air issued a statement emphasizing its "zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind" and stated that it takes such claims "very seriously." The hotel asserted that its "commitment is to making every guest and employee feel valued, respected and safe." While respecting guest privacy, the hotel confirmed that an "immediate" investigation was conducted. The internal inquiry concluded that the employee "acted in accordance with California law."