CHARLES ON... DINA MARIE vs. HK
As I return from my very relaxing vacation, I find my two worlds colliding. I am forced to report on a dispute between two important people, both of whom are my friends and clients in different capacities.
There has been a lot said and reported by various bloggers and e-zines regarding a conflict that occurred between Dina Marie Delicious and HK owner Alex Meskouris on Friday night following the Circus party at HK in New York City.
Evidently as the party ended, Dina Marie and Alex got into a heated dispute in which the two exchanged some pretty harsh words.
I'm not going to get into the he said, she said crap. You can read that elsewhere.
There are, however, a few things I would like to address.
The first is that conflict occurs in any business. Both Alex and Dina Marie are long-time friends and business associates, those fights can often be emotionally charged and get pretty heated. I'm truly convinced that is what happened here.
As HK's Marketing and Publicity consultant, I can honestly say that Alex respects and admires Dina. She has helped Alex and the HK staff hand craft some of New York City's most talked about gay parties, and Dina has been instrumental in helping transform HK from a lounge to one of New York's hottest dance spots.
Alex even released this statement on Saturday following the argument:
"We appreciate Dina Marie as a member of our team at HK, and I expect that this can be resolved so we can continue to produce great events together."
He added, jokingly with a smile on his face: "I think that we should let the music and the community thrive as it was, join together in the nightlife and a united cause, and be thankful that no hangers were thrown," referring to Dina Marie's nasty split and physical fight with her former business partner Allanah Star.
Personally, I think Dina Marie Delicious is an asset to the LGBT community as well. She's an amazing recording artist, and she treats those in her inner-circle like gold! I wouldn't trade the relationship we've formed for anything!
From here, I am sad to say that I'm not sure where this business relationship and friendship is headed.
Both Dina and Alex have been pioneers in building a solid gay nightlife community in Hell's Kitchen, and I'd personally hate to see it all end like this. The work these two have done together has significantly improved the gay community. Together Alex and Dina are responsible for the Blow Pop and Circus parties in addition to AIDS fundraisers and various LGBT awareness events.
I hate to sound like the father-figure here, but I would love to see Dina and Alex make-up so they can continue doing great things for the LGBT community... together. I'm just not sure if that will be what happens, but a guy can always hope.
