News

Hooters Chain Deems Bob Filner Too Sleazy

by Jenny Hollander

If San Diego Mayor Bob Filner wanted to drown his sorrows in chicken wings and buxom blondes — and we wouldn't be surprised at this point — he'll have to find someplace that isn't Hooters.

Four of the restaurant chain's San Diego locations have placed signs in their windows stating their refusal to serve Filner. The San Diego mayor of less than a year is facing 13 separate allegations of sexual harassment, and has absolutely refused to resign — though he has admitted he needs help, and vowed to change. (Just not his job title.)

Hooters responded by Tweeting that the mayoral ban was an individual, rather than executive, decision:

The sign reads: "This establishment recognizes that we all have political differences and we serve people all walks of life. We also believe it is imperative for people to have standards. The Mayor of San Diego will not be served in this establishment. We believe women should be treated with respect.”

You know someone is sleazy when they make Glenn Beck look like a feminist.

Hooters' employees may be trying to avoid the "Filner Dance," (as it's known by the mayor's female co-workers) in which women tried to evade being kissed or groped by the mayor. Ex-City Councilmember Donna Frye has said that the mayor "is tragically unsafe for any woman to approach."

Supporters of the mayor have defended his right to remain innocent until proven guilty — which might be difficult, as Filner hasn't actually been criminally charged with anything. Seven prominent Democrats, seven of the city's nine city council members, and numerous community leaders have called on him to resign.

Even if Filner doesn't take a trip to court to face allegations of sexual harassment, he could still wind up there defending his — quote, unquote — "questionable expenses" in office. CNN obtained a copy of Filner's expense reports, and noted that it appears some of his "liasons" were paid for with taxpayer money.

It doesn't look like Filner actually spent any time at Hooters... but, hey, seems like a precaution worth taking.