Miami Beach club's stunt involving horse, bikini-clad woman sparks outcry, probe
MIAMI BEACH – A Miami Beach club has lost its license and a criminal case may come from a stunt involving a horse. At the Mokai club late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, a horse carrying a man and a woman in a string bikini, was led into the crowded nightclub, CBS Miami reports.
"It's a horse, a real horse," a woman's voice can be heard to exclaim on a cell phone video.
Ixamar Palumbo posted a video on Facebook which showed the horse's entrance.
The white horse, out of its element and appearing uncomfortable, took a nasty spill on to the club's hard floor, and knocking the woman off its back. People could be heard screaming, stunned as the animal struggled to get back on its feet.
The handler then tries to maneuver it out of the crowd.
Joel Franco posted a video of the fall on Twitter.
Authorities have since located the horse and deemed it to be "healthy and safe."
The video reached Miami Beach police who issued a statement which read, "We are very concerned over the allegations. As such we have launched a joint investigation with Miami Beach Code Enforcement."
Later Friday, cops doubled down.
"We are looking at this from all angles now. We're looking at it from a city perspective in terms of licensing, and we're looking at it from a police perspective in terms of the potential for cruelty charges," said Officer Ernesto Rodriguez.
On social media, one angry poster declared "shame on you Mokai, #AnimalCruelty."
CBS Miami reached club owner, Roman Jones, by phone. Jones denied any part in the incident with the horse.
"The horse is not hurt. The marketing director, who arranged the stunt, that I was unaware of, is suspended without pay. I am cooperating with the authorities," Jones told CBS Miami.
But the incident involving the horse this week may not have been the first time the club has employed live animals to entertain its clientele.
Viewers sent CBS Miami social media photos that on one occasion purport to show a camel being lead through the place, and another photo of a different horse in the club, with the name Mokai painted on its coat.
Late Friday afternoon, Miami Beach revoked Mokai's license. Mayor Dan Gelber called the incident with the horse this week a "vile" act of animal cruelty.
"I was disgusted and offended that any legitimate businessperson would think this was an appropriate action to take," said City Manager Jimmy Morales. "This activity was not permitted, and as soon as we became aware, I immediately instructed staff to act swiftly in remedying this situation."
"Animal cruelty is an abhorrent and vile act," said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. "I fully support the immediate actions taken by the City Manager and his staff to ensure that this is remedied quickly."
