In an exclusive interview, we explore the captivating story of Somen “Steve” Banerjee, an Indian immigrant who made headlines in 1975 after acquiring a Los Angeles disco. This establishment would eventually be recognized as Chippendales, named after the iconic Chippendales furniture that adorned its interior. Despite a tumultuous past, this venture became an international phenomenon, with annual sales peaking at an astonishing $20 million during the 1980s.
However, the glamorous era of Chippendales came to an abrupt end when Banerjee was arrested by the FBI on conspiracy to commit murder involving a business partner, as well as attempts to set fire to a rival’s business. After his confession in 1994, Banerjee tragically took his own life in prison. The saga continued years later with claims of an illegitimate son, sparking a bitter inheritance dispute while his biological son faced accusations from “Chippendales USA LLC.”
A recent Instagram video titled “The Hottest Male Strippers & More!” embodies the spirit of Strippendales, a venture appearing to carry on Banerjee’s legacy in its own unique manner. The post humorously declares, “At Strippendales, we know how to strip and have fun!” The footage features a nearly naked performer creating a lively atmosphere as he engages with attendees.
Strippendales was founded in California in 2020 by Chris Bane, who is Banerjee’s son originally named Christian Banerjee. Strippendales commits to continuing the family tradition of male entertainment. Bane’s choice to adopt a new name reflects his dedication to the business. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 250 pounds, Chris Bane is not just a figurehead; he is also the star performer known as “Hollywood,” showcasing his tattooed physique on the company’s glamorous website, designed in the signature black and pink colors of Chippendales.
However, Bane’s path has been fraught with challenges. His business partner, Amy Le Chet, informed the Los Angeles Times that Chris is currently unable to participate in interviews due to contractual issues, and he has scaled back his performances due to health concerns. Allegations of legal troubles linger, with a history of theft, carjacking, and illegal firearms charges coming to light. While Chris admits to some offenses, he has refrained from detailing his side of the story.
Le Chet maintains that Chris is a victim of false allegations, asserting his actions were self-defense. Nonetheless, court documents reveal a rocky journey, including severe health problems like punctured lungs and homelessness, during which he often lived in his car or relied on friends.
Chris has set ambitious goals for himself, aspiring to surpass his father’s legacy. In a Facebook post from May 2023, he wrote, “Others won’t be remembered because they didn’t persevere. But my name will be etched in the history of male stripping, like father, like son.” Yet, Strippendales operates in stark contrast to the original Chippendales.
Banerjee’s Chippendales flourished just as the disco era faded, morphing into male strip shows catering exclusively to female audiences. The nightclub quickly became a hotspot for “female sexual fantasy,” drawing eager patrons. Soon after, the club’s merchandise and shows began to soar, with annual revenues exceeding $20 million by the time Banerjee married Irene in 1984.
Despite the initial success, his business ventures were plagued by legal troubles, including discrimination lawsuits. In 1987, significant financial losses forced the parent company, Easebe Enterprises Inc., into bankruptcy.
The situation grew even more dire when Banerjee’s business partner Nick De Noia was murdered in New York, with many speculating about Banerjee’s potential involvement. Although the flagship Los Angeles location closed in 1988, Chippendales continued to draw crowds nationwide and beyond.
Then, on September 3, 1993, Banerjee’s life took a drastic turn when he was arrested for conspiring to murder three former partners. The charges escalated to include the murder of De Noia and attempted arson against a rival nightclub. Banerjee pleaded guilty to racketeering charges but tragically took his life in prison in October 1994, leaving his two young children, Lindsay and Chris, behind.
Following these events, Banerjee’s widow, Irene, sought to sell the Chippendales brand after a battle with cancer led to her death in 2001. However, the sale ignited fresh legal disputes, particularly with the emergence of Jesse Banerjee—who claims to be Banerjee’s first son—in 2017, as he alleged he was denied his rightful inheritance.
In 2023, federal courts dismissed Jesse’s claims against Chippendales USA LLC due to lack of evidence and a lapsed statute of limitations, although Jesse plans to appeal the ruling. This lawsuit, which alleges trademark infringement and unauthorized merchandise sales by both Jesse and Chris, underscores ongoing family tensions.
Today, Chippendales remains a dominant force in male entertainment, captivating audiences while facing competition from newer franchises like “Thunder From Down Under” and “Magic Mike Live.” Despite the influx of rivals, the company proudly asserts it entertains over two million female patrons each year.
Audience members continue to enjoy and find escape in these performances. Tara Gallichan, who visited California, expressed that there’s no guilt in attending such shows, even as a married woman. “It’s a fun escape,” she says. “Tempting yet harmless.”
As the narrative unfolds, it highlights a legacy marked by ambition and family drama, showcasing the complexities of a name that resonates powerfully in the world of entertainment.
