URGENT CONCERN REGARDING DISCRIMINATORY TREATMENT AT FONTAINEBLEAU!!

On Monday, March 31st, 2025, I experienced profoundly racist treatment at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. I left a Yelp review and also decided to email management directly. Please read below and share with anyone you believe could benefit from this message. It can be utilized as a framework and/or guide in documenting racist encounters

Blessings!

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Dear Mr. Mufson and Fontainebleau Leadership Team,

As you are aware, I have consistently raised issues of serious concern, particularly where unpleasant—and likely racist—experiences have occurred. This message continues in that pattern.

Earlier today, I arrived at Fontainebleau for one of my regularly scheduled massage appointments at Lapis Spa. I ordered a glass of Veuve Clicquot from the casino bar and proceeded to the second floor toward the spa. I informed the security staff stationed by the elevators that I was headed to the spa, and they granted me access without issue.

While on a business call and responding to emails, I waited calmly outside the spa entrance, finishing my champagne. Within 5–7 minutes, I was approached by two security guards. Without any greeting or professional courtesy, the first leaned in and abruptly asked if I was a hotel guest. I replied that I was not. He then demanded to see my ID, a request echoed by the second guard. I declined to provide identification, as I was completely caught off guard and did not understand why I was being treated with such suspicion.

Despite explaining that I was a regular Lapis Spa customer—the interrogation continued. A third security officer arrived, and I once again explained the reason for my presence. He then asked me to walk down the hallway to meet with security management. This entire encounter could have been avoided had the initial guards simply communicated with the security staff by the elevators, who had already cleared my access.

Eventually, a security manager named Taylor arrived. She was professional and respectful, and I complied with her request for identification, providing multiple forms of ID. By this point, several guests had begun passing by. I found myself crying uncontrollably. The experience was profoundly humiliating and degrading. Regardless of whether you agree, I experienced what I believe to be a racially motivated incident. The staff member who called security—a woman of Asian descent—perceived me as “loitering,” and that perception was acted upon with hostility and suspicion. Not once did any security personnel begin the interaction with, “Hello, is everything okay?” or “Are you waiting to go into the spa?” Instead, I was treated as a threat, rather than a valued customer.

Unfortunately, this is not the first racist incident I’ve experienced at Fontainebleau. Today made it clear to me that it is no longer safe for me to be a guest or customer on this property. Though I attempted to proceed with the remaining hour of my scheduled two-hour massage, I was unable to relax and ultimately left early due to distress. Even as I write this message, I remain shaken and angry.

I have canceled all future appointments and plans for myself and my family, as repeated experiences—particularly this most recent one—have made it clear that Fontainebleau is not a safe environment for us. It is my belief that Black patrons—and likely Black employees—are not safe at Fontainebleau. I hope you take this message seriously and use it as motivation to address the discriminatory culture that has revealed itself time and time again.

Sincerely,

Dante King