The Abbey’s owner says repeated drink spikings are ‘wild conspiracy theories’

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Tristan Schukraft took to Instagram to address persistent accusations of drink spiking at The Abbey in West Hollywood, which he purchased this year.

While he referred to the alleged trend as “wild conspiracy theories,” Schukraft reassured patrons that The Abbey has strict measures in place to handle such incidents whenever they occur. If staff witness any tampering with drinks, the perpetrator is immediately removed, handed over to law enforcement and banned from the bar.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Tristan Schukraft (@tschukraft)

 

Schukraft wrote that drink tampering is a widespread problem that’s not unique to The Abbey.

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His statement comes after several testimonials of patrons, alleging they had been drugged while at the WeHo hotspot recently resurfaced online. In one video that amassed 1.3 million views, a TikTok user said she started shaking 30 minutes after her second drink and later experienced violent vomiting and loss of control over her body.  Another customer alleged in a Reddit post that they were drugged in broad daylight during a Saturday afternoon visit to The Abbey in 2022, after only one drink. Another person recounted a similar experience from 2017, noting that the bar was almost empty, and the only person with access to their drink was the bartender. Despite requesting to see security footage, the customer said the bar’s management claimed they saw nothing.

Schukraft, in his Instagram video, stated that The Abbey’s security team had been instrumental in a recent arrest related to drink spiking. A police report confirmed the incident, noting that the bar’s security staff had identified the suspect from surveillance footage and turned them over to law enforcement.

In addition to addressing the accusations, Schukraft encouraged customers to report any suspected tampering to the bar or police immediately. He also highlighted that The Abbey provides drink testing strips free of charge, unlike other establishments, where such items are typically sold.

“All you need to do is ask,” Schukraft said, adding that customers who are unsure about their drinks can request a fresh one. He urged anyone who believes they have consumed a spiked drink to seek medical attention or a toxicology report and assured patrons that the bar would support them throughout the process.

The allegations against The Abbey have been further amplified by coverage from The 19th, a nonprofit news organization. In a January 2024 report, the outlet shared testimonies from more than 70 individuals, including alleged victims, staff members, and law enforcement. Many of those interviewed claimed to have consumed far less than their usual alcohol intake, with some only drinking water or soda, yet still experienced disorientation or loss of consciousness.

Despite the mounting claims, Schukraft stands by the safety measures in place at The Abbey, reiterating his commitment to keeping the bar a secure environment for its patrons.

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Steve Zlick
Steve Zlick
28 days ago

Sure, it’s anecdotal … but the only time I had my drink spiked WAS at The Abbey. Just sayin.’

Earl
Earl
1 month ago

There’s a strange look about this guy.

Enough
Enough
1 month ago

The Abbey needs to cease existing.

BloodshotEyedGuy
BloodshotEyedGuy
1 month ago

I’m so gloriously old that I remember hanging out at The Abbey when it was still just a very cool neighborhood coffeehouse. The music was amazing, the crowd was local, gay, and sexy, the coffee reasonably priced, there were no drag shows or craziness, just a wonderful, low-key hangout when David Cooley owned it. Saw Estelle Getty and Harvey Fierstein having coffee together one night, which was awesome. Then The Abbey bought the terracotta store next door and expanded, and by the time they bought the club space on the other side of the venue, The Abbey went from being… Read more »

Gregg Mitchell
Gregg Mitchell
28 days ago

THIS! Exactly – i fondly recall hanging out at the original Abbey back in the #90s when it was a low-key coffeehouse #goodtimes

West
West
1 month ago

What a bizarre message. It’s all “conspiracy theories”, then he launches into disturbing stats supporting the accusations. Guess they’re relying on charged buzz words to shut down any logical thinking. Slimy.

Steve Martin
Steve Martin
1 month ago
Reply to  West

There have been instances of drugging, maybe not on Tristan’s watch, but there have been credible allegations. This article is really counter productive to both Abby and the community.

Paul
Paul
1 month ago

This REMAINS a problem for the Abbey. I worked the counter periodically at the weho sheriff’s office and I checked in several people who had been drugged and robbed at the abbey. The owner should speak with the sheriff about this as it is heavily documented.

Betsy
Betsy
1 month ago

Is this an AI video? Or just tons of filters on it.

WeHo Mary!
WeHo Mary!
1 month ago
Reply to  Betsy

It’s what happens when one receives lots of injections in one’s face, and have a gay robot’s personality, you look like AI.

hmmm
hmmm
1 month ago

On other topics why do his businesses stay empty? Appears he leases space and then makes it appear he’s putting something there and then doesn’t i.e. the (2) Mistr locations and 1 to become a cannabis store. Why hasn’t the cannabis store opened yet? Now doesn’t sound like it will open till after new year. He just lost all the zen clientele! That’s a huge gap in servicing repeat customers.