Dark History Podcast Episode 173: "Stripper Wars: Chippendales’ Glamour, Greed & MURDER?!"

Introduction

In episode 173 of Dark History, hosted by Bailey Sarian, the spotlight shines on the infamous male strip club empire, Chippendales. Renowned for blending true crime and historical narratives, Bailey delves deep into the glamorous yet dark underbelly of Chippendales, uncovering a saga of ambition, betrayal, and murder that defined an era.

Origins of Chippendales

The story begins in the vibrant and sexually liberated atmosphere of Los Angeles in the 1970s—a time marked by the rise of feminism and the golden age of porn. Shomon Banerjee, an Indian immigrant who rebranded himself as Steve Banerjee, embodies the quintessential American dream. Seeking prosperity, Steve ventured into various businesses, including Mattel and gas stations, before setting his sights on the nightclub scene.

"Steve wanted to be the number one business guy in America. The American dream, it's all about being fucking rich." (02:00)

In 1975, Steve acquired a struggling Los Angeles club named Destiny 2. His initial attempts to revitalize the venue with diverse entertainment—from dinner theater to magic shows—proved inadequate. It was Paul Snyder, a flamboyant club promoter from Canada, who introduced the groundbreaking idea of male stripping tailored for a female audience, inspired by performances Snyder had witnessed in Canadian gay clubs.

Formation of Chippendales

In 1979, Steve and Paul rebranded Destiny 2 as Chippendales, drawing inspiration not from the playful Chip 'n' Dale cartoon, but from the Chippendale style of sturdy, elegant furniture, aiming to infuse class and sophistication into their brand.

"The iconic Chippendale look actually came from Paul's girlfriend at the time, Dorothy Stratton, a Playmate of the Year who had connections with the Playboy Mansion." (10:00)

Dorothy Stratton's influence secured permission from Hugh Hefner to adopt the Playboy-esque aesthetic, featuring bow ties, wrist cuffs, and tailored outfits that became synonymous with Chippendales' image.

Rise to Fame and The Dark Turn

Chippendales quickly skyrocketed in popularity, attracting hordes of enthusiastic female patrons and high-profile celebrities. However, behind the scenes, tensions brewed. Dorothy Stratton, balancing her burgeoning acting career and her marriage to Paul Snyder, began an affair with director Peter Bogdanovich, straining her relationship with Paul.

"Rumor had it that Dorothy and Peter were seeing each other romantically. Dorothy distancing herself only fueled Paul's jealousy and possessiveness." (16:00)

On August 14, 1980, Paul Snyder's fury culminated in tragedy. Inviting Dorothy to his home under the guise of resolving financial disputes, Paul brutally murdered her with a shotgun before turning the gun on himself. This heinous act sent shockwaves through the Chippendales community and the media.

"Dorothy died instantly from a shot to the left side of her head. She was only 20 years old." (18:00)

In the aftermath, Steve Banerjee sought to distance Chippendales from the scandal by denying any association with Paul, emphasizing the need to move forward.

Expansion and Betrayal

Despite internal strife, Chippendales flourished under the creative direction of Emmy-winning TV producer Nick De Noia, who elevated the performances with professional choreography. The brand expanded beyond Los Angeles, establishing prestigious locations in New York and embarking on lucrative international tours.

However, tensions between Steve and Nick escalated as Nick garnered increasing acclaim and public recognition, often receiving credit for the empire they had built together. This discord reached its peak in 1983 when Steve and Nick struck a fateful "napkin deal" over a restaurant napkin, granting Nick a 50% stake in all Chippendales tours indefinitely.

"The napkin deal became legally binding, entitling Nick to half of every Chippendales tour forever. Steve had no idea what 'in perpetuity' meant." (25:00)

Realizing the gravity of his mistake too late, Steve confronted the legal ramifications, leading to an untenable partnership.

Descent into Crime

Facing financial strain and desperation, Steve Banerjee orchestrated a series of murders to eliminate his competition and regain control of Chippendales. In 1993, he was implicated in the deaths of Nick De Noia and three other associates. Steve employed hitmen Ray Colon and Strawberry to carry out these heinous acts, but his plans unraveled when Strawberry betrayed him to the FBI.

"Steve hired Ray Colon to murder Nick and others, but Strawberry got cold feet and cooperated with the FBI, leading to Steve's downfall." (40:00)

After a failed sting operation and mounting evidence, Steve faced severe legal consequences. On October 23, 1994, the night before his sentencing, Steve Banerjee committed suicide in his jail cell, purportedly to protect his family's control over Chippendales.

Legacy and Modern-Day Chippendales

Following Steve's death, ownership of Chippendales transitioned to his wife, Irene, who eventually sold the company for $2.5 million. Despite the tumultuous history, the Chippendales brand persisted, focusing its operations in Las Vegas and maintaining international tours across six continents. The brand remains a symbol of male strip culture, though shadowed by its sordid past.

"Today, it's not completely clear who owns Chippendales, but it's a private equity-owned brand with lasting global presence." (43:00)

In 2020, Steve's son, Christian Banerjee, attempted to revive the legacy by founding Strippendales, offering both male and female strip performances, though without the dark associations of his father's empire.

Conclusion

The Chippendales story is a poignant illustration of how ambition and desire for power can intertwine with darkness, leading to irreversible consequences. From its glamorous beginnings to its tragic downfall, Chippendales remains an enduring chapter in the annals of dark history, reminding us that beneath the allure of success often lies a complex and tumultuous reality.

Notable Quotes

• "Steve wanted to be the number one business guy in America. The American dream, it's all about being fucking rich." – Bailey Sarian (02:00)

• "The napkin deal became legally binding, entitling Nick to half of every Chippendales tour forever. Steve had no idea what 'in perpetuity' meant." – Bailey Sarian (25:00)

• "Steve hired Ray Colon to murder Nick and others, but Strawberry got cold feet and cooperated with the FBI, leading to Steve's downfall." – Bailey Sarian (40:00)

Final Thoughts

Bailey Sarian masterfully navigates the intricate web of Chippendales' history, balancing engaging storytelling with meticulous research. Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how Chippendales became a cultural phenomenon tainted by tragedy and betrayal. This episode serves as a compelling reminder that behind every glittering success story, there often lurks a darker truth waiting to be uncovered.