Jane Fonda has been banned for life from New York’s iconic Katz’s Deli following an incident that reportedly disrupted the restaurant’s busy lunch service.
The actress and longtime activist is said to have turned an ordinary lunchtime into an unexpected political demonstration after getting on top of a table and attempting to lead customers in a “Free Palestine” chant.
Alex Bruno, manager of the famous deli, said Fonda also displayed a “Stop Genocide” shirt while trying to get diners involved.
“Jane got up on the table, showed her Stop Genocide shirt, and tried to engage the people in a ‘Free Palestine’ chant,” Bruno said.
The manager said the restaurant’s customers were caught completely off guard by the demonstration. According to Bruno, most people were focused on eating lunch and had no interest in participating in a political rally.
“She thought the lunch hour was the perfect time to launch a political rally,” Bruno said. “But our clients had no interest in this, which they conveyed clearly. In the end, she had to leave because people began to hiss.”
The incident reportedly created an uncomfortable atmosphere inside the restaurant as customers tried to continue with their meals while Fonda addressed the room.
Bruno said the decision to ban Fonda was made because the deli wants to maintain an environment where customers can enjoy their meals without being pulled into political disputes.
“We’re selling sandwiches,” Bruno said. “People come through the doors because they want to eat. They shouldn’t have to participate in a political demonstration just because a celebrity happens to walk in.”
Katz’s Deli, one of New York’s best-known restaurants, has long attracted tourists, celebrities and locals. Its crowded dining room and famous pastrami sandwiches have made it a landmark destination for visitors to the city.
But Bruno said Fonda’s appearance was not the first time a celebrity had caused a disturbance at the family-run establishment this month.
“Jane was not the only one,” he said. “She was actually the third celebrity who had caused a disturbance at our family-run deli this month.”
The manager said the repeated incidents have left employees wondering why celebrities increasingly appear to view the restaurant as a place to make political statements.
“I really do not understand why all the celebrities come here, thinking we need to have political discussions when we are selling sandwiches,” Bruno added.
The lifetime ban means Fonda will not be permitted to return to the establishment.
Bruno emphasized that the restaurant does not intend to tell customers what political opinions they should hold. The issue, he said, is keeping political demonstrations separate from the restaurant’s normal operations.
Fonda has spent decades participating in political activism and has frequently used her public platform to promote causes she supports. Her activism has included protests and public demonstrations on a variety of issues.
This time, however, her activism reportedly collided with the deli’s lunch-hour routine.
For the staff at Katz’s, the message is straightforward: customers should be able to sit down, order a sandwich and enjoy their meal without unexpectedly becoming part of a political rally.
And if Bruno’s comments are any indication, Fonda won’t be getting another table at Katz’s anytime soon.
