Celebrity Pay Dirt
Pitt & Clooney Mixed Up in Gay Bar Fight

Known for their goodwill efforts in poverty-ravaged parts of the world like Darfur, Brad Pitt and George Clooney are now being asked to come to the aid of a slightly less disenfranchised group -- Laguna Beach gays!
Brad Pitt and George Clooney
The Boom Boom Room, a popular Laguna Beach, Calif. gay bar for over 60 years, was sold to a Beverly Hills billionaire two years ago for over $12 million. That's a lot of cosmos! In 2005, Pitt & Clooney were incorrectly labeled as co-investors in the bar, whose rightful owners were planning on turning into yet another upscale (and undoubtedly hetero) oceanfront hotel. The Heche Hilton! With those plans now scrapped, the bar (which is scheduled to stay open until Labor Day) is back on the market and a grassroots organization is appealing to the Hollywood hunks to help Save the Boom!

To make sure they get the message, TMZ has exclusively obtained the ad Save the Boom is running in Monday's Variety, which hopes to persuade Brad and George to "buy our 60-year-old landmark before it is converted into a boutique hotel." And homophobes say gays are the ones doing all the converting?!

Will Brad and Clooney take the bait...or just Stonewall it?



Reader Comments

(Page 3 of 3) Previous 15 Comments

31. George should feel at home in the gay bar.

Posted at 9:48AM on Jun 4th 2007 by Eva

32. The boom boom room should be saved! OC is actually a very homophobic place and Laguna Beach is one of the few places OC gays can go and not be as hassled as say Huntington Beach (be on skin head watch folks). Anything that can be done to keep Laguna for the gays should be done.

Posted at 5:38PM on Jun 4th 2007 by recoveringocresident

33. It's not about George or Brad being "closted" gays...it's about their having the financial resources and compassion to save a historic landmark...while perhaps making a few bucks on the side. Any possible buyer who can come in and Save The Boom would no doubt be a hero in our community. The Boom is an icon, an important part of Laguna's heritage. And quite frankly, I'd much rather read about stories like this...where people are trying to make a difference, than another untalented, brainless starlet with weight and/or drug issues.

Posted at 1:07PM on Jun 4th 2007 by FOF

34. Hopefully, George and/or Brad or someone else with the resources for that matter will buy it...redo it...making it the new "Boom Boom Spa and Resort"...it could be totally amazing gay hotel/ bar/ and updated dance club that opens out to the Pacific Ocean...and of course, a cash cow...why shouldn't the gays have an amazing space to spend their disposal income....??? Good luck securing a "gay" friendly buyer!! Watch out Montage Hotel....Thanks!!

Posted at 4:54PM on Jun 4th 2007 by Shane

35. dont do it, relax

Posted at 2:13PM on Jun 5th 2007 by catheadmoon

36. I think the new Boom idea is awesome. The new "Boom Hotel Resort and Spa" with the Boom Lounge, opening to ocean, opened 7 days a week for food service, with drink speicals to watch the sunset over the Pacific. The front of "Boom Club" should be the new dance floor with entertainment which is open only Thursday, Friday, Sat. and Sun. This is exciting, someone PLEASE SAVE THE BOOM, THE GAYS WILL SUPPORT YOUR INVESTMENT!

Posted at 10:09PM on Jun 4th 2007 by Laguna concerned res...

37. Is it a strange coincidence that George Clooney would be approached to help save gay bar? I have thought George is gay for some time, and I have good radar for spotting gay men. He hasn't been able to sustain a relationship with women, had one short marriage many years ago, says he'll "never marry again" and hasn't, says he'll "never have kids" and hasn't, and has many women "on his arm" at public events. I just believe the rumors that he's gay. Period.

Posted at 10:38PM on Jun 13th 2007 by Mary Marquist

38. I feel that this public plea to specific individuals in inappropriate. Unless Clooney and Pitt WANT to buy the place, they are now in a no-win situation

If they say no, they will be subject to public criticism and possible harm to their images, which are vital to their careers.

But if they say yes, they are stuck (at least, temporarily) with a property and business venture they never wanted.

To the patrons who wish to keep the joint open, have you considered seeking landmark status? It sounds as though it may qualify. If not, you may just have to find a new place. Losing a local hangout happens all the time, and life goes on.

I'm appalled that this financial appeal was made publicly. They've really left these gentlemen no choice. Shame on them for what is, in essence, extortion.

Posted at 1:54AM on Jun 12th 2007 by InMyHumbleOpinion

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