Lawsuit Accuses Elite Hillcrest Country Club of Racial Discrimination

Matthew Winnick files suit against the Los Angeles club, alleging denial of membership based on family's Hispanic heritage.

Matthew Winnick, son of late billionaire Gary Winnick, sues Hillcrest Country Club in Los Angeles for racial discrimination, alleging denial of membership due to his family's Hispanic heritage.
The lawsuit accuses Hillcrest of discriminatory practices, elitism, nepotism, and fraud, seeking compensatory damages and other penalties.
Hillcrest, known for its celebrity and political elite members, including Vice President Kamala Harris' husband, denies the allegations, calling the lawsuit meritless.
The club, historically Jewish and founded in 1920, has faced criticism for its predominantly white, male, and Jewish membership despite opening to women and non-Jewish members in 1987.
The case highlights issues of racial discrimination and privilege in elite social clubs, sparking a broader conversation on inclusivity and fairness.