By hannover-web.com Somen “Steve” Banerjee, an Indian immigrant, made waves in the entertainment world when he acquired a disco club in Los Angeles back in 1975. He named it “Chippendales,” inspired by the stylish furniture adorning the venue. Over the years, Chippendales evolved into a globally recognized male revue, raking in an impressive $20 million a year at the height of its success in the 1980s.
However, after 15 years of triumph, Banerjee’s life took a dramatic turn. The FBI arrested him on charges of conspiracy to murder a business partner, as well as allegations of plotting to set fire to a rival establishment. In 1994, he confessed to racketeering but tragically took his own life while in custody. Yet his story was far from over; it ignited a protracted legal struggle over his estate, with claims of an illegitimate son surfacing years later, while his legitimate child faced lawsuits connected to “Chippendales USA LLC.”
In a recent Instagram video promoting “The Hottest Male Strippers & More!”, Strippendales boasted, “At Strippendales, we know not only how to get you undressed but also how to have a good time.” The playful clip showcased half-naked men adorning napkins on women’s laps, cheekily tapping their mouths, while another woman teasingly spanked one of the dancers. As bachelorette parties took center stage, $100 bills rained down on the entertainers.
Launched in California in 2020 by Chris Bane, Banerjee’s youngest son, Strippendales aims to honor his father’s legacy. Chris, now 34, has officially changed his name from “Christian Banerjee” and is proud to be the star dancer referred to as “Hollywood” on Strippendales’ website, which features the iconic black and pink colors reminiscent of Chippendales. While Chris is enjoying initial success with the new venture, he has had limited public appearances due to health challenges, according to his business partner, Amy Le Chet.
Unfortunately, Chris seems to have inherited more than just the family business. He has encountered several legal issues, including charges of theft, assault, and illegal firearm possession. Court documents indicate he has pleaded guilty to burglary and forgery, consistently opting not to mount a defense.
Le Chet argued that Chris was framed, asserting that his actions were taken in self-defense, resulting in an 18-month prison sentence. He has since petitioned to have his record expunged. Adding to his troubles, Chris grappled with significant health issues, undergoing multiple surgeries and facing bouts of homelessness.
Despite these challenges, Chris is determined to carve his own path and establish a larger empire than his father’s. In a May 2023 Facebook post, he stated his ambition to be remembered in the history of male stripping, declaring, “While others aren’t remembered, my name will live on, just like my father’s.” However, Strippendales feels quite distinct from the original Chippendales.
Banerjee’s Chippendales emerged at a time when disco was waning, adapting by presenting new talent, including Frank Sinatra’s son, and organizing events such as women’s mud wrestling. A turning point came in 1979 when he shifted focus exclusively to male strippers, allowing only female audiences. The venue quickly gained a reputation for providing a vibrant atmosphere where women cheered for the dancers to disrobe.
A notable feature of Banerjee’s vision was his commitment to offering a unique sexual fantasy for women, even hosting a feminist fundraiser in 1980. However, he also faced legal challenges, including discrimination lawsuits for not permitting men inside.
As the brand grew, Chippendales expanded its offerings with calendars and merchandise and even extended its reach to New York. By the time Banerjee married Irene in 1984, reports indicated that the club’s revenues had soared beyond $20 million.
Yet, personal turmoil reared its head as Banerjee dealt with numerous lawsuits, including one related to injuries from overcrowding and another involving issues with a $1 million calendar. By 1987, his parent company was compelled to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Around this time, tragedy struck when business partner Nick De Noia was murdered, leading many to suspect Banerjee’s involvement, particularly as he attempted to reclaim De Noia’s touring rights before the investigation concluded.
Even with these troubles, Chippendales continued to thrive following the closure of its Los Angeles location in 1988, earning the title of “the hottest all-male revue” with tours across the nation and internationally. However, the excitement was fleeting when Banerjee was arrested on September 3, 1993, for conspiring to kill three former business associates.
A month later, the charges expanded to include De Noia’s murder and an arson attempt on a competitor’s club. Retired FBI agent Scott Garriola characterized Banerjee as someone willing to resort to extreme measures to achieve his desires, culminating in a guilty plea for racketeering and a lengthy prison term. Tragically, he took his own life in prison in 1994, leaving behind two young children. Subsequently, Irene, who battled breast cancer, passed away in 2001 after agreeing to sell Chippendales and its trademarks.
This decision ignited another legal conflict years later when Jesse Banerjee claimed to be Banerjee’s illegitimate son, seeking control over his father’s estate. In court, Jesse indicated that he had kept in contact with Banerjee while being excluded from the inheritance. However, Lindsey, Banerjee’s daughter, could not substantiate Jesse’s claims.
Meanwhile, Chris Bane finds himself grappling with the weight of Jesse’s allegations while also being estranged from Chippendales USA LLC and facing lawsuits for attempting to exploit the brand. He contends that the company does not have legitimate rights to the brand and insists that Banerjee didn’t die as reported, claiming he is the true heir to the Chippendales legacy.
Today, Chippendales endures as a hallmark male revue, navigating competition from other shows like “Thunder From Down Under” and “Magic Mike Live.” The company prides itself on its commitment to physical fitness, revealing that its dancers log over 5,900 hours a year in the gym. Audiences, including many from Canada, view the show as a lively escape, largely unperturbed by any guilt over this distinct form of entertainment. Despite its ups and downs, Chippendales remains celebrated as the leading male strip group, enchanting audiences at bachelorette parties and beyond.
