I’ve never completely understood why private clubs, country clubs and university Greek systems still survive and thrive. I “get” wanting to have specialized groups for specialized things, events or hobbies. If being part of a golf club was just about golfing, sure, I’d understand that. I understand VFW halls. But the whole “you have to pay exorbitant fees just to hang out with assorted people when you could just do it for free somewhere else” thing just seems like white people being elitist and gatekeeping (literally) other white folks. Anyway, private clubs still exist and Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin belong to San Vicente Bungalows, one of several hush-hush clubs for the LA elites. When the Biebers were leaving the club last week, paparazzi were waiting outside, having been tipped off by another club member. Chaos ensued!
Hollywood’s most exclusive private club, San Vicente Bungalows, is cracking down on leaks from inside its posh walls — after a guest dared to tip off photographers that Justin Bieber and wife Hailey Baldwin were at the hot spot last week. The club, by Sunset Tower guru Jeff Klein, prizes privacy with strict rules against cell phones, photos and the like. The club’s April newsletter revealed it had to “terminate” a member who babbled about the Biebs.
Along with a pic of the pop star and his wife exiting the property, the newsletter warned: “The photo below was circulated online earlier this week. Within less than 24 hours, our team discovered whose guest was responsible of alerting the paparazzi. The Member who brought this guest to our Club has now been terminated.”
Reports with the photos of the star couple exiting the club ran widely online — with Vogue gushing, “Justin and Hailey Bieber had themselves a little romantic date night at the San Vicente Bungalows.”
The club’s new newsletter, seen by Page Six, also cautioned that as Hollywood insiders head out more, “We wanted to take a moment to remind you of the following Club policies, which we take very seriously: No photography/videography of any kind is permitted on the Club premises or surrounding areas,” and, “No posting on social media or discussion about the club, its Members and their guests, or Club activities is permitted.”
The update also warned: “We not only hold you accountable of these rules but we hold you, the Member, accountable for your guests following the rules. Should a Member’s guest not adhere to our Club policies, that Member’s membership is subject to suspension or termination upon review.”
I’m pretty sure that it also goes against club policy to show a Page Six gossip columnist the email sent to club members? And if you’re not allowed to take photos in or around the club, why do famous people even want to join? Isn’t their whole deal being photographed or taking selfies or something?
Photos courtesy of Backgrid.
Um. I think the thing I find most surprising about this story is that somebody at that club was overcome enough to break the rules to tip paparazzi off about….The Biebers?
That’s the best part! The DRAAAAAMAAAA of it all! LOL
yeah, that part is hilarious. if i saw these two in nyc i couldn’t be bothered to turn my head.
Right? I think these two think they are way more interesting and popular than they really are. This all seems contrived for publicity, trick us into believing the paparazzi are crazy for them.
In the top pic, it looks like his foot is not even on the stair. It looks like bad photoshop.
Yeah I bet the club HATES all this free publicity. 🧐
I think celebs do want places to go where no one can take their picture. Even up to the early aughts some of them used to do coke right out in the open in clubs. God knows what they got up to sexually. So, I can see this. This is great PR from this club. They’re letting it be known they have a zero tolerance policy. Smart.
Yes smart club. I’d pay for a club access if I’m a celeb that wants that peace and quiet. But I draw the line at underage sex club or drugs club.
Now this has me thinking that this is a clever collab with the Biebers.
This. It’s how Chris Evans and Lily James planned on getting away with breaking lockdown rules for an international undercover romp. (Hats off to *that* clubmember who snitched)
Think it’s also how Gigi and that Bachelor guy tried to remain low-key (until they hot snitched on too).
I forgot about that. Evans is very undercover with this stuff. I bet he usually doesn’t get caught. Maybe he goes to a lot of clubs like this, I don’t know.
This exactly. While I’m sure some use that as an excuse to go wild, I would think most famous people would love a place they go could hang out, have dinner, etc, without anyone gawking at them, taking their photo, posting it on social media.
Those famous for their work anyway, not those famous for being famous, addicted to the attention.
I was thinking of the old days and people like the 90210 cast, who were pretty wild. But yes, just not to be gawked at too, you’re right.
I bet celebrities would want a place where they can go without the cameras to hangout and eat dinner in peace. They chose the lifestyle and perks for sure but it must be a relief to go somewhere where they are protected a little.
Exactly. Celebs do not always want to be seen.
Love the last photo — every time o see them, he is mauling her and she is trying to get away!
I saw a post recently (can’t remember where) showcasing how awful he is. One video showed her falling on the ground and him just… running away? Another where he full on slaps/smacks her in the face. There was more but I had to stop watching because it was making me too angry.
There’s video where he’s hitting her in the face? That’s concerning.
I can see celebs wanting to belong to a members only club. A little weird for regular people. Hailey looks gorgeous in these shots.
Extreme manifestation of dressup gap between man-child and woman.
My take away too. I hate seeing couples dressed like they are going to two completely different events. And it’s always the woman dressed up.
Man, after watching the Britney documentary, I realized how scary some paparazzi can be. I don’t blame them for wanting a place to go that’s private. The things some paparazzi do can be really scary/a lot to deal with, especially if you just want a night out with your spouse or something.
So socializing is allowed in LA? People can hang out and go out for non essential visits?
In many places, fully vaccinated people can do whatever they want. I think there is a big split on this. Some people seem to believe the message should be; get vaccinated but don’t think you can go out. Others feel, get vaccinated and live a more normal life.
I feel the second message is likely to get more people vaccinated.
Honestly, private clubs are great. It removes the question or where you should go to do something and some of the usual stresses of dealing with people and planning made-up holidays like Mother’s Day (breakfast) and work stuff. And not just locally – you can also stay at other clubs around the world with which your club is affiliated. Just saying. It’s not just about privacy, although it’s nice to know that you’re not going to be accosted by a random stranger. Re Justin and Hailey – I like that she isn’t trying to color coordinate their outfits. That’s all I’ve got lol I bet they were rude to the other member. Part of the deal at the club is that you get access and easy intros to other members. I can see how someone would be offended if J and H didn’t want to mingle. The worst thing you can do to some rich folks is make them think that you think you’re better than them 😂
We joined the local country club because it is closer to our home than the public pool and MUCH quieter during the day than the local pool, between the pool access and included golf it it far more economical than paying for those two things separately.
The Greek system is something else entirely and I can say at age 52, some of my dearest and oldest friends remain from those days and my career would not have been the same without the networking.
But that’s kind of the point. I don’t say this in a crappy way to you at all and I see how lifelong friendships would come out of it, but the networking opportunities that come with being in a fraternity or sorority are only available to those who can pay for them. So the (majority white) upper classes continue to get jobs and opportunities that those with fewer economic resources do not. It’s not that they aren’t beneficial, it’s that they ARE beneficial to only a select few.
That part. Private clubs are available to a select few with privilege. Must be nice.
A whole lot of assumption going on.
There is a rich culture of African American, Jewish, and Latinx fraternities and sororities. This isn’t just a “white thing.”
@ Tweetime
Yes, in every way.
Private clubs can also be a way to shield rich white people from taxes. Check out the history of prop 13 passed in 1978 in California.
So…I went to work and came home to this discussion of my privilege.
@ Enis – yes!! but we want to exclude POC from the narrative that this is a bad thing.
@ Sarah — it is nice, for many reasons. I don’t need to explain or apologize.
@ Twee — I do feel like you came at me for merely responding to the writer’s opinion that she doesn’t understand private clubs; having said that I also feel like your thoughts are in the right place in trying to process and see different perspectives while also examining how those spaces affect others…and for that I appreciate you and and will take the time to examine that focus.
Only if you see it as a personal attack – I’m not coming for you at all and definitely don’t know your life or situation.
But we can criticize institutions and should also be critical of institutions we participate in. Many of us participate in questionable institutions that uphold norms that hurt other people. It’s good to examine those things.
Not assuming a thing. A private club is just that – private. It excludes by its very nature. You either have access or you don’t, and most don’t have access to country clubs with quieter pools
@ Sarah the same with concert tickets — you either have one or you don’t. I responded to the OP’s opinion regarding why people join private clubs. I make choices daily in what I can afford and what I cannot…the same with what I am willing to forego for other luxuries…much like other human beings on the planet.
Is being in the position to make those choices a privilege? ABSOLUTELY.
Am I going to apologize for that? Nope.
A private country club and a concert ticket are not the same thing. You do not need to apologize for your privilege, but it sounds like how you use it and your attitude about it could use some reflection.
@ Sarah — I don’t disagree, reflection never hurt anyone. You got the exact response from me that you were seeking with the “it must be nice” comment and then the follow up about how my attitude needs some reflection. A self fulfilling prophecy if you will.
My first comment was not in response to you, but you took it that way. My follow up was indeed meant for you and I’m glad you are thinking about it.
I don’t think it’s weird to want privacy. Yea, they want their picture taken, but nowadays it’s easier to just post one you get the final say over on IG.
And I’m pretty sure the club leaked the email as proof they’re taking it seriously. A club member snitching to the paps isn’t good for their rep.
Did you heard or read about the story, where the paps tried to get pics underneath Hailey s skirt. Justin realized it and then asks the paps, why they are doin such gross shit. The paps are “shocked” and “omg, why should anybody do that!”
But Then there were actually pics of those paps sneaking for such a ridicilous photo down on the ground! Gross!
She is dressed so nice and he looks dressed to take out the trash. I don’t get it.
Maybe you pay all that money to go somewhere with zero dress code. How are those two people at the same ‘event’?