One of New York\u2019s most famous party players was in handcuffs on Wednesday, accused of committing a sickening and violent crime after making accusations about a former friend.<\/p>\n
Law enforcement sources tell Page Six that Richie Akiva \u2014 one-time owner of some of Manhattan\u2019s hottest clubs including Butter and 1Oak, and a close pal of Leonardo DiCaprio \u2014 and an accomplice are believed to have entered a Soho home on January 7, and found a 35-year-old man asleep in a bedroom.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re told Akiva and alleged henchman Justin Brown \u2014 who a source told us is a former security guard at yet another once-sizzling Akiva club, Up & Down \u2014 hit the man on the head with a metal pipe.<\/p>\n
Police insiders say the alleged victim was left with a broken nose and injuries to his right shoulder and right leg.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re told Akiva and Brown are accused of threatening him and making him transfer money via an app.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, Akiva denied those allegations in an interview with Page Six.<\/p>\n
Richie Akiva was arrested on Wednesday on burglary charges. Getty Images for Raising Cane’s<\/p>\n
Richie Akiva allegedly burglarized a Soho man\u2019s home on Jan. 7. Getty Images for The Summer Gala by Gala One<\/p>\n
The nightlife fixture had contacted two Page Six reporters on Tuesday, alleging that he had been wronged by a longtime friend, entertainment exec Michael Morriatti. (When we contacted Morriatti about Akiva\u2019s allegation\u2019s, he told us that Akiva was lying).<\/p>\n
Akiva is known for hosting Hollywood\u2019s A-list at his parties. FilmMagic<\/p>\n
The former 1Oak owner \u2014 once part of a powerful nightlife team with Zero Bond owner Scott Sartiano \u2013told us they\u2019d been \u201cfriends for a while,\u201d but he had grown suspicious of Morriatti.<\/p>\n
Akiva with Guram Gvasalia and Doja Cat at his annual Met gala afterparty. WWD via Getty Images<\/p>\n
Akiva counts Leonardo DiCaprio as one of his best friends. Getty Images<\/p>\n
Akiva, pictured with Offset, was once owner to some of New York\u2019s hottest clubs. WWD via Getty Images<\/p>\n
When we contacted him about Akiva\u2019s claims that he had wronged him, Morriatti told us, \u201cWhatever he\u2019s saying, it\u2019s not real.\u201d \u201cHe\u2019s lying.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, a rep for Akiva, who was released from police custody Wednesday evening, told us in a statement: \u201cRichie fully welcomes and supports a thorough investigation into this matter and is confident that the full truth will prevail.\u201d<\/p>\n
Akiva told Page Six a former friend had wronged him. Getty Images<\/p>\n
This isn\u2019t Akiva\u2019s first arrest. He was picked up last year<\/a> for driving with a suspended license.<\/p>\n 1Oak, the definitive club of 2010s New York nightlife, closed in 2022, reportedly owing more than $1 million in rent on its Chelsea building. Akiva and Sartiano ended up in a\u00a0court battle in 2018<\/a>.<\/p>\n Akiva helped launch\u00a0exclusive members-only club the Ned\u00a0in June 2022 as its \u201cbrand and creative director,\u201d bringing in celebs like\u00a0DiCaprio<\/a>, Rihanna, Emily Ratajkowski, G-Eazy and \u201cSNL\u201d\u00a0comic Leslie Jones<\/a>.<\/p>\n