Porta Via, a Beverly Hills restaurant, has responded to the viral footage showing a physical confrontation between a patron and a group that appeared to be harassing diners. In a statement posted on Instagram, the restaurant clarified that contrary to the circulating social media claims, the person throwing the punch was not a manager but a customer. “He was not an employee nor a manager as has been recently falsely reported,” the restaurant stated. The Beverly Hills Police Department confirmed that they responded to the incident, but no charges were to be pressed by anyone involved, and the matter was subsequently closed, as reported by KTLA.
The altercation occurred on April 26 in front of diners at Porta Via's North Canon Drive location, when a group with cameras began to harass customers seated outdoors. A video captured by streetpeoplemedia and shared with KTLA shows the escalation, with the diners attempting to defend themselves. One of the harassers, dressed in a hooded sweatshirt, can be seen taking a swing at the patron, who then punches back, causing the assailant to fall to the ground.
Porta Via emphasized their stance against violence and harassment in their response. "We deplore violence and harassment of any kind," the restaurant expressed, noting that an enjoyable dining experience is what they aim to provide for all patrons. This sentiment was echoed in their Instagram post, which also announced the forthcoming celebration of their 30th anniversary this fall.
Social media reactions to the incident have been mixed, with some users expressing support for the patron who stood up to the harassers. Comments on the restaurant's Instagram post included one user, hilalove, saying, “He’s been harassing your patrons for months. You should be thanking that man for actually doing something about it,” and another, rachelamazing, humorously suggesting, “you should still hire the man, he did the work. lol.” These accounts help to paint a picture of the community’s response. According to a report by FOX 11, the punch was delivered with such force that it sent the man toppling backward into a heat lamp.
