Owner Lives in Truck, Former Partner Goes to Clown School, Lady Gaga Gets Canceled: Bar Still Can’t Draw a Crowd

A lesbian bar in Greenfield, Massachusetts, sparked intense backlash after lifting its mask mandate for one night a week, leading to accusations of ableism, boycott calls, and further financial trouble for the struggling business.

Last Ditch Bar and Arts Venue recently announced that Saturdays would become mask-optional in an effort to increase attendance and keep the venue afloat. The bar had maintained a strict masking policy for years as part of an effort to make the space accessible to disabled and immunocompromised patrons.

The decision triggered a wave of criticism from some community members, who argued that the change would make the venue less accessible. Critics accused the bar of putting disabled people at risk, with some commenters using highly charged language and even wishing violence against the establishment.

The controversy arrived as the business was already facing severe financial difficulties. The venue operates under an unusual model that includes a policy stating that nobody will be turned away for lack of funds. According to reports, the bar had fallen behind on bills and was struggling to pay staff.

Jackie Matellian, the owner still managing day-to-day operations, reportedly lived in her truck for six months while working multiple jobs and carrying substantial debt in an effort to keep the business running.

Meanwhile, the bar’s original ownership group had largely stepped back from operations. One former owner had enrolled in clown school, while another focused on a drag-performing career.

In announcing the change, Last Ditch wrote on Instagram that it would be opening Saturday nights as mask-optional. After criticism erupted, the bar apologized for the tone of the announcement and acknowledged concerns raised by disabled and immunocompromised patrons.

The dispute continued at a community meeting in September, where supporters and critics debated the decision. Matellian became emotional while describing the financial pressures facing both herself and the business, saying she never intended to run the venue and was simply trying to keep it alive.

Despite making Saturdays mask-optional, the move reportedly failed to improve attendance. Weekend crowds remained sparse, and the bar continued to search for ways to attract customers.

One suggestion was to hold a Lady Gaga-themed party. According to reports, that idea was quickly rejected.

“Gaga is canceled,” a bartender reportedly said. “Gaga is Zionist.”

The exchange became one more unusual moment in a controversy that began with a masking policy but evolved into a broader debate over accessibility, community expectations, and whether the bar could survive financially at all.