'Bar Rescue' Star Jon Taffer Files $50,000 Lawsuit
Jon Taffer is known for his brutal takedowns of bar and restaurant owners on reality television, but his next target is certainly more personal.
According to documents obtained by TMZ, Taffer and his lawyer Bradford Cohen are suing a Florida-based man named Vic Caroleo.
Taffer and Cohen say Caroleo has traveled around the state impersonating the "Bar Rescue" star since 2017. Taffer filed a lawsuit against Caroleo for the same behavior last year, but the man has refused to drop the act.
To make matters worse, Taffer says that Cohen has performed "sexually inappropriate and abusive acts against women" while assuming Taffer's identity.
A woman allegedly retained counsel in 2020 claiming that Taffer sexually assaulted her, and after "tens of thousands of dollars in expenses," Caroleo was confirmed to be the offender.
Taffer says another woman approached him last year, informing him that Caroleo was impersonating him again. The woman says Caroleo had fake credit cards made to "prove" that he was actually Taffer and gain the trust of potential victims.
Caroleo initially agreed to stop impersonating Taffer last year, but it appears that stronger legal action is needed.
Taffer is now seeking $50,000 in damages, and he is seeking the assistance of Collier County, Florida in the matter.
In the filing, Cohen says that Caroleo "continued to expose Mr. Taffer to ridicule and shame, causing substantial and irreparable damage to Mr. Taffer's personal and professional reputation, and violated his rights, including his right to control his name and likeness."
Taffer rose to prominence after "Bar Rescue" premiered in 2011. The show follows Taffer - a former consultant in the food and beverage industry - as he travels to bars and restaurants around the country.
Taffer usually gives the owners of the failing establishments he visits ways to improve, and his reactions to employees and owners are the backbone of the show.
The show continues to air on the Paramount Network to this day, and Taffer has opened a chain of restaurants bearing his name around the country.
We'll see if the latest lawsuit prevents Taffer from being impersonated after repeated attempts to stop Caroleo's efforts.
'Bar Rescue' Star Jon Taffer Files $50,000 Lawsuit first appeared on Men's Journal on May 22, 2025
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