Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian Says Stars Cabaret Pimped Underage Girls

His agency will pursue an administrative prosecution of Stars for hiring underage dancers and allowing men to exploit them.

By Nigel Jaquiss

Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian is cracking down on Stars Cabaret, a local strip-club chain.

Avakian was to announce Feb. 17 that his agency will pursue an administrative prosecution of Stars for hiring underage dancers and allowing men to exploit them.

The move follows a state investigation of Stars' alleged employment of two underage strippers—a 13-year-old, whose abuse was previously criminally prosecuted, and a 15-year-old.

"It's unacceptable for employers to subject children to sexual harassment and abuse," said Avakian, who is running for Oregon secretary of state. "We intend to bring charges that reflect the severity of harassment."

Courtney Angeli, an attorney for Stars' owners, says the company has not yet been informed of BOLI's plans.

"BOLI's charge of discrimination is wholly unfounded and beyond the agency's jurisdiction," Angeli said. "Stars takes steps above and beyond the industry standard to avoid engaging underage women as independent contractors."

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