Key Takeaways
- Julia McBride accused Nick Vertucci of making unwanted advances and sharing inappropriate text messages.
- Other women in the poker community, including Kitty Kuo, have also shared similar allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
- The poker community remains divided, with some defending Vertucci and others demanding justice.
Nick Vertucci, co-owner of the popular poker live-stream show “Hustler Casino Live” (HCL), is currently facing multiple allegations of s*xual harassment and inappropriate behaviour, which have stirred significant attention within the poker community.
The controversy was ignited when professional poker player Julia McBride, also known as “Julia from Palmdale,” publicly accused Vertucci of making repeated unwanted advances toward her.
She shared text messages in which Vertucci allegedly made inappropriate comments, leading to claims that he was using his position to intimidate and manipulate women on the show.
So this evening Nick has been trying to get the address where I play home games, and dig up dirt on me, saying his actions are my fault because of how I dress. @HUSTLERCASINOLA is this a show runner you want to be associated with? https://t.co/CkJP2EYQuf
— Julia from Palmdale (@JuliaInPalmdale) October 6, 2024
This exchange took place during Julia’s participation in Hustler Casino Live’s Thirsty Thursday event, which Vertucci attended as well.
After the post, an X user responded by commenting:
I’m so sorry you’ve been subjected to such harassment. And thank you for having the courage to call him out.
Via X
A second user replied by stating:
Well done for taking a stand and speaking up.
Via X
Following McBride’s accusations, other women in the poker community have come forward with their allegations.
Poker pro-Kitty Kuo revealed that during a poker stream in 2019, Vertucci inappropriately showed her explicit photos on his phone.
Well, it was a true story
— kitty kuo (@kittykuopoker) October 7, 2024
Before Covid 19, I played Latb many many times
And this guy was totally right
When nick showed me his dick pics at poker table( live stream), I was very strong and said “ u had a pencil dick”
And he was so mad
I don’t give a shit if I can’t play at… https://t.co/EgIxGYqinK
Additionally, a Hustler dealer named Lauren allegedly lost her job after reporting even worse harassment by Vertucci to management, highlighting the potential abuse of power.
Julia took to Twitter again to raise awareness about Lauren’s case, stating:
Have you noticed Lauren isn’t dealing on @HCLPokerShow anymore? She reported to @HUSTLERCASINOLA
Via X
FAR WORSE harassment than the creepy texts I posted. Every witness refused to come forward, the casino sided with Vertucci, and now Lauren has lost her job.
On Monday, Julia tweeted again, urging Hustler Casino Live to bring Lauren back to her position.
Bring Lauren back! After communications on 10/6/24, I have good reason to believe that the management and ownership of @HUSTLERCASINOLA support, care about, and want to do right by their employees and patrons. But it can’t happen if people stay silent. Hustler employees and…
— Julia from Palmdale (@JuliaInPalmdale) October 7, 2024
The poker community has reacted with mixed responses, with some players, like Arden Cho and Garrett Adelstein, openly condemning Vertucci’s actions and calling for accountability. In contrast, others have remained silent or defended him.
The scandal continues to escalate as prominent players like Matt Berkey and Nik Airball have also voiced their opinions, urging Hustler Casino Live to address the allegations and take the necessary steps to resolve the situation.
As many of you know I have been a long time supporter of @HCLPokerShow and my good friend @TheRyanFeldman.
— Nik Airball (@nikairball) October 8, 2024
No players have chosen to speak out at this time out of fear of losing seats or being banned but I personally feel this must be publicly addressed.
I am appalled by the…
Following the post, a user commented:
What a perfect time to depolarize, strong and well supported stance. Agree 💯. Hope Ryan comes out of this clean.
Via X
Despite the mounting pressure, Vertucci has yet to respond publicly, and both he and HCL co-founder Ryan Feldman have remained silent on the issue.
As the poker world awaits further developments, the community is calling for a full investigation into the matter and the potential consequences of Vertucci’s involvement with the show.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Nick Vertucci is also known for “Big Gold Brick” (2022) and “Live at the Bike” (2004).
- He is also a real estate investor.
