New York restaurateur Keith McNally has stirred up controversy with claims that music icon Patti Smith was "incredibly rude" to waitstaff at his restaurant in the 1970s, a revelation that has ignited discussions across social media platforms. The allegations come from McNally's forthcoming memoir, I Regret Almost Everything: A Memoir, where he recounts his experiences managing the now-closed One Fifth restaurant.
McNally, who owns several famed New York City eateries including Balthazar, Pastis, and Minetta Tavern, shared an excerpt of his memoir with New York Magazine’s Grub Street. In this excerpt, he recalls the difficulty of serving Smith and her then-boyfriend, renowned photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. "Smith and Mapplethorpe could be very difficult to wait on," McNally writes. "Smith, unfortunately, was incredibly rude to the servers. It’s impossible for me to listen to a Patti Smith song today without remembering her reducing a waitress to tears because she forgot to put bread on the table," he added.
This incident, which McNally claims occurred decades ago, has sparked a wave of reactions online, with some users supporting McNally's account while others defend Smith, emphasizing her growth as a person over the years. One commenter noted, "Anyone that’s met her knows she can be truly awful toward people she thinks are beneath her. It’s a shame." Conversely, another fan countered, "Enough with McNally’s insipid and ancient story about a ‘rude’ Patti Smith. She was young and had to deal with loads of s–t, and today is grace personified.”
The claims about Smith’s behavior have drawn attention not only for their content but also for McNally's history with celebrity customers. In 2022, he made headlines when he banned English comedian James Corden from Balthazar after alleging that Corden was "the most abusive customer to my Balthazar servers since the restaurant opened 25 years ago." Corden's ban was later lifted after he apologized for his behavior.
McNally's memoir is set to be published on May 6, 2025, by Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. In addition to recounting his experiences with Smith and Mapplethorpe, McNally reflects on his life in the culinary world and the challenges of managing a restaurant frequented by high-profile personalities.
Smith, now 78 years old, has not publicly responded to McNally's claims. Earlier this month, she announced her own memoir, Bread of Angels, which is scheduled for release on November 4, 2025. Smith shared the news on Instagram, accompanied by a nostalgic photo of her with her parents, stating, "This is with my mother and father who inspired much of my next book. The memoir, a bright and dark dance of life, will be published by Random House."
As McNally's book draws closer to publication, the discourse surrounding the alleged incident with Smith continues to unfold, reflecting the complexities of celebrity culture and the expectations placed on public figures. While some view McNally's recollections as a candid look into the past, others see it as an unnecessary airing of grievances that may not reflect Smith's character today.
In his memoir, McNally describes the dining atmosphere at One Fifth, where he worked for four years. He recalls that Smith was often accompanied by Mapplethorpe and art curator Sam Wagstaff. Despite the challenges posed by Smith's demeanor, McNally expresses admiration for Wagstaff, noting, "There are only three people I wished I’d gotten to know better, and Sam Wagstaff is one of them."
The juxtaposition of McNally's criticisms of Smith with his praise for Wagstaff highlights the nuanced relationships that can exist between restaurant staff and their celebrity patrons. As the restaurant industry grapples with the complexities of service and celebrity, McNally's memoir promises to shed light on the often-unseen dynamics at play.
As the conversation around McNally's claims continues to evolve, it raises questions about accountability and the impact of past behavior on public perception. Will Smith address these allegations, or will they fade into the background as she focuses on her upcoming memoir? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, McNally's revelations serve as a reminder of the intricate dance between fame and personal interactions. Whether viewed as a cautionary tale or an opportunity for reflection, the story of Patti Smith's alleged behavior at One Fifth is sure to resonate with both fans and critics alike.
