Two workers have sued The Battery, San Francisco’s most exclusive social club, over alleged harassment and labor violations.
Rene Panti, a dishwasher since 2021 at the invite-only club, filed suit claiming three years of disability-based abuse. Donald James Goglio, a front desk agent, sued separately for wage theft.
Panti has congenital scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. Coworkers allegedly called him “hunchback” and “useless” weekly.
The harassment turned physical last year, he claimed. Coworkers touched his back after he asked them not to.
His nipples were pinched in one instance, the lawsuit alleged.
Panti was placed on leave for a month due to his disability, losing pay, he claimed.
When he sought a promotion in 2022, the chef allegedly turned hostile. Excessive workloads followed. Breaks were denied.
A manager told him he “will never be promoted to work at the bar because your physical appearance does not conform to the standards of the company,” the lawsuit claimed.
Human resources reports yielded no discipline, Panti alleged.
Steven Chizen, Panti’s attorney, told the San Francisco Chronicle: “We are confident that every allegation in the complaint will be corroborated — by coworkers who worked alongside him, by documents, and by the Battery’s own records.”
Chizen continued: “We look forward to proving this case to a San Francisco jury.”
Goglio’s lawsuit alleged minimum wage and overtime violations. Proper breaks were denied, he claimed. Business expenses went unreimbursed.
The purpose was to “unfairly cheat the competition and unlawfully profit,” his lawsuit stated.
A LinkedIn profile under the same name lists him as a front desk agent at The Battery since August 2025, the Chronicle reported.
The Battery denied all allegations in a statement to the Chronicle.
“The Battery does not agree with the allegations or with the attempt to portray them as companywide violations,” the company said.
The club continued: “The Battery maintains wage-and-hour policies and timekeeping practices intended to comply with California law and will defend those practices in court.”
The club was founded in 2013 by Michael and Xochi Birch, tech entrepreneurs who converted a marble factory and candy warehouse.
Membership costs $2,400 annually. The club features multiple dining spaces, a wine cellar, personal trainers, a spa and a hotel.
Past patrons have reportedly included Justin Bieber and Kevin Durant.
Former Congressman Eric Swalwell, who resigned after sexual assault allegations, was also a past customer.
In the viral moment that sparked broader attention, Panti’s lawsuit detailed the most explosive allegation: a coworker told him “your penis doesn’t work anymore.” The slur targeted his disability directly. Management’s response, he claimed, was asking staff to “stay professional.” No further action followed. The pattern allegedly persisted for three years.
Both lawsuits seek unspecified damages for emotional distress and lost wages. Mandatory workplace training is among the requested penalties.