Celebrities
Russell Crowe denied service at trendy Australian restaurant
Actor Russell Crowe and his girlfriend were refused entry into Melbourne restaurant Mr. Miyagi for dressing too casually.
Russell Crowe and his girlfriend Britney Theriot learned the hard way that Melbourne restaurant Mr. Miyagi won’t change their dress code for anyone.
The couple stopped for a meal at the Asian fusion restaurant after playing a game of tennis, still sporting their workout gear. The restaurant, which holds a ‘smart casual’ dress code, was quick to turn the pair away.
“He went there wearing a brand new Ralph Lauren polo having just played a game of tennis and was turned away,” said Crowe’s manager Grant Vandenberg in a statement to Daily Mail Australia.
Crowe’s and Theriot’s outfits were clearly not up to snuff, with Mr. Miyagi’s management team defending the decision. They argue that celebrities are not exempt from their dress code policies, not even Academy Award winner Russell Crowe.
“We treat everyone the same. It doesn’t matter who you are or if you are Russell Crowe. We’ve got a dress code that we push across every level,” Mr. Miyagi owner Kristian Klein disclosed to The Herald Sun this past Friday.
“We’re not trying to teach people how to dress. But I know personally if I’m in my thongs and my boardies, I’m not going to try and go to a nice restaurant, because I wouldn’t be dressed appropriately.”
Restaurant Mr. Miyagi jokes about denying Russell Crowe service
Wanting to avoid any bad blood with the actor and his girlfriend, the Australian restaurant was quick to poke fun at their strict dress code. They posted on social media acknowledging the incident with humor.
The restaurant’s Instagram posted a photo of a sign that reads, ‘Dress smart casual, unless you’re Russell Crowe, then wear whatevs.’
Fans voice converging opinions on the Russell Crowe dress code debacle
In response to the Mr. Miyagi’s Instagram post, fans engaged in discourse on whether celebrities should be allowed to dine in at restaurants despite not adhering to the dress code policy.
“Celebs shouldn’t get preferential treatment!!! They get treated with perks and comped everywhere they go because it’s good publicity for the establishment!! The rules should apply to all! 👏🏻👏🏻,” commented one fan in support of the restaurant staff’s actions.
“Seriously? I’ve seen people at far more upmarket restaurants wearing thongs shorts and t shirts 🙄” another fan stated in disagreement with Mr. Miyagi’s decision.