In New Jersey, Gay Bar Pint Fires Trivia Host Over Gang Rape Joke and Donates Night's Proceeds
Management of the LGBTQ+ bar Pint in Jersey City, New Jersey, has dismissed its weekly trivia host and donated the venue’s full nightly proceeds to sexual violence prevention programs. The move followed public outrage after the host awarded the “Best Team Name” title to a group calling themselves “Cornell 7 inches,” a crude pun referencing an alleged gang rape at Cornell University, reports LGBTQ Nation.
The incident took place on the evening of Wednesday, October 7, 2026, during the bar’s regular pub quiz. The host designated “Cornell 7 inches” as the winning name—a suggestive reference to the “Cornell Seven,” a term widely used in the United States for seven fraternity brothers of Chi Phi at Cornell University accused in a September 2026 federal lawsuit of drugging and gang-raping an intoxicated student in October 2024. Patrons at the bar, including women’s teams attending the event, expressed outrage on social media, emphasizing that jokes trivializing sexual assault are unacceptable in an inclusive venue.
On Thursday, October 8, Pint founder and owner Wolf Sterling, alongside co-owner Tommy DeMaio, posted a video statement on Instagram. Sterling stated that the host made the award without the management’s knowledge or consent and that it violated the bar’s community standards and business ethics. The owners also clarified that patrons had not voted for the name, but rather that it was selected unilaterally by the host, who was fired immediately. In addition to a public apology, the bar pledged and donated all profits from Wednesday night to sexual violence prevention initiatives.
The venue’s prompt response drew support from local officials and patrons. Jersey City Councilwoman Eleana Little commended Pint’s management for swift accountability, stating that sexual assault and jokes mocking it have no place in the city. The customer who originally brought the issue to light on social media also praised the owners for their rapid and decisive action.
Located on Wayne Street in downtown Jersey City near City Hall, Pint has operated continuously as a bar since 1911 (formerly known as Star Bar). Wolf Sterling acquired the establishment in 2009, transforming it into a popular craft beer gay bar and a longtime fixture of the local LGBTQ+ community.
Previously, Uránia reported on a similar controversy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where the gay establishment Blue Moon Bar issued apologies and tightened performance rules following an offensive routine at an open stage night.
