Veteran Bar Owner Apologizes After Ill-Conceived ‘Casting Couch’ Gambit Backfires

Cocktail guru Erik Holzherr has apologized for naming part of his latest bar the “casting couch” — a provocative marketing decision that has sparked a backlash against fledgling cocktail den Idle Hands.

The founder of cherished Capitol Hill gin joint Wisdom wrote an open letter in local blog The HIll Is Home to anyone he might have offended by borrowing a phrase associated with predatory behavior in Hollywood, and sexual harassment in general. He says he is “truly mortified” that his poor choice of words would lead anyone to believe he supports the actions of alleged rapist Harvey Weinstein or any kind of abuse against women.

That revelation has come about now that online critics have threatened his livelihood by railing against the business, anonymous sniping Holzherr describes as “cowardice.”

On June 14 Holzherr told Washington City Paper that the he specifically created the VIP “casting couch” section of the bar — a spot where four people can hang together on leather couches — “to be fun.” He now claims that “casting” referred to the rolling of dice while playing featured board games.

• Sometimes, A Bar Is Just a Bar [THIH]
• ‘Sexy Nerd Bar’ Opens Tonight on H Street NE With Twister and a ‘Casting Couch’ [WCP]
• H Street’s Funky New Gaming Bar Is Here [EDC]
• Harvey Weinstein’s arrest matters — but it’s only a start [Vox]
• Atlas District Bar Church & State Is Closing April 30 [EDC]
• As Absinthe Picks Up Steam, Bars Look to Educate Customers About the Green Fairy [EDC]
• Business Rx: He’s got Wisdom, but is in search of more marketing savvy [WaPo]