Swinger owners of Hamptons catering biz engaged in buffet of harassment —even demanding sex from workers:
A couple behind a high-end East Hampton catering business is facing a lawsuit alleging they exploited their employees by pressuring them into sexual activity, according to court documents.
Annie Washburn, owner of East Hampton Kitchen, and her partner, Michael Castiglione, are accused of discussing their sex lives openly, propositioning staff, and punishing those who refused, the suit claims. The complaint was filed last month in Suffolk County by former catering manager Emma Beudert, who described the behavior as “frequent and unwelcome,” calling it “disruptive, unlawful, and predatory.”
“Ms. Washburn and Mr. Castiglione were extremely inappropriate in the way they discussed and propositioned Ms. Beudert and others about their sex life,” the lawsuit states. Beudert alleges the couple routinely asked staff for sexual favors and sought personal information about employees to facilitate sexual encounters.
According to the suit, Castiglione even attempted to solicit sex from Beudert’s friends shortly after meeting them at a concert.
Attorney Michael Garabedian, representing East Hampton Kitchen, said, “The East Hampton Kitchen, Ms. Washburn, and Mr. Castiglione vehemently deny the fictional allegations contained in Ms. Beudert’s complaint.”
Beudert’s account includes multiple incidents during her brief tenure, beginning in April 2024. In her first week, she says Washburn discussed sexual frustrations stemming from her partner’s health issues, while Castiglione battled prostate cancer. Beudert reportedly expressed discomfort at these conversations.
Later, a kitchen coworker showed Beudert an obscene image of her nude boyfriend with an eggplant strategically placed over his genitals. Washburn allegedly laughed at Beudert’s discomfort rather than addressing it.
The lawsuit details further inappropriate behavior, including propositions during high-profile events. At a July wedding, Washburn reportedly asked Beudert about a new caterer, commenting on the employee’s appearance and asking if Beudert was single. Another staffer recounted Castiglione boasting about their open relationship, including sexual encounters with others at Washburn’s invitation.
In August, Beudert attended a concert with the couple and her friends. According to the suit, Castiglione propositioned one of her friends, causing discomfort. Washburn reportedly dismissed the incident with a casual remark to Beudert.
Beudert claims that after she rejected their sexual advances and defended other staff members, Washburn and Castiglione retaliated, assigning her an “unmanageable” workload and allowing colleagues to mock her as “Cinderella.” She resigned shortly afterward.
Beudert now operates a casino-style sports betting bar in Southampton.
About Post Author
