Legendary Friars Club 'raided by FBI over finances'
The legendary Friars Club might be getting roasted by the FBI.
Page Six reports that the Manhattan club, which has mostly celebrities and comedians as members and is famous for its celebrity roasts, was raided by federal agents this week, according to anonymous sources.
The gossip column says the club's finances are being scoured by Preet Bharara, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, though his office wouldn't comment.
The famous Friars Club, on E. 55th Street in Manhattan, has reportedly been raided by the FBI
Jack Lemmon and Lucille Ball appeared at a Friars Club benefit for Milton Berle in 1973
-Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra share a laugh at the Friars Club in 1976
The club reportedly sent out an email to members saying the club's 'server was down' but that raised suspicions as how could emails then be sent.
'Everybody was laughing because how could they have sent the email. Everyone was joking that their server is actually ‘downtown’ at FBI headquarters,' said a source.
And apparently club president Bruce Charet has gotten into some hot water.
(right) Eddie Fisher appeared at the club to honor comedian Joe E. Lewis; (left) Frank Sinatra was a club member who chatted with
Actors Irwin Corey, Robert De Niro, Joy Behar, and Jeffrey Ross attend the Tribute to Mickey Freeman at the New York Friars Club in 2010
'[He] has been involved in some controversy. He was sued for sexual harassment by an employee, then a number of veteran members of the club left,' said a source.
In September 2016, Showbiz411 reported that the club was being investigated over its rapidly dwindling philanthropic foundation contributions, which reportedly went from $676,216 in 2013 to just $47,198 in 2014.
Donations to outside groups reportedly went from $351,896 to a mere $8,685.
Comedian and actress Sarah Silverman, above, is a Friars Club member
Receptionist Rehanna Almestica alleged in spring 2016 in a lawsuit that she was fired after filing a complaint with NYS Division of Human Rights that Charet was sexually harassing her.
'Believe me, this isn’t just for parking tickets. The FBI doesn’t send a team unless they know what they’re looking for,' wrote Showbizz411's Roger Friedman.
Page Six said neither the club nor the FBI returned a call for comment.
Club members have included Frank Sinatra, George Burns, Jack Benny, Lucille Ball, Jerry Lewis, Jerry Seinfeld (whose TV show 'Seinfeld' had an episode dedicated to the club), Whoopi Goldberg and Robin Williams.
Current members include Sarah Silverman, Jimmy Fallon, Jeffrey Ross and Lisa Lampanelli.