Nick Vertucci will “no longer be involved” with Hustler Casino Live after multiple public allegations of sexual harassment led to his colleagues distancing themselves from the controversial showrunner.
Effective immediately, Nick Vertucci will no longer be involved with High Stakes Poker Productions. We look forward to continuing to deliver the best high stakes poker content to the community.
— Hustler Casino Live (@HCLPokerShow) October 9, 2024
“Effective immediately, Nick Vertucci will no longer be involved with High Stakes Poker Productions. We look forward to continuing to deliver the best high stakes poker content to the community,” reads the short statement.
The brief tweeted statement came after concerted pressure for something to be done about Vertucci following revelations that he had sent numerous unsolicited sexual text messages to multiple female players on the livestreamed cash game show.
Nik Airball and Veronica Brill both issued statements yesterday decrying Vertucci’s behaviour after he was outed as a sex pest.
Vertucci Accused of Sexual Harassment
As we reported earlier this week, Vertucci was called out for his sex-pest behaviour by Julia McBride, a regular guest on the HCL livestreamed cash game.
Her account of unwanted, crude sexual advances via text message was supported by Kitty Kuo, who claims she was also targeted by Vertucci, including showing her a dick pic mid-show on Live at the Bike (LatB).
In addition, it is believed a dealer, Lauren, was forced out of the HCL set-up after complaining about Vertucci’s sexual misbehaviour to management.
Lauren is one of the best, most professional dealers. I’m sad she has dealt with so much garbage. Really hope the truth comes to light & justice is served. This kind of behavior should never be tolerated. Scum & harassment keeps poker from growing, I hope people can come forward. https://t.co/RwhgZfxP7I
— Arden Cho (@arden_cho) October 6, 2024
Another story to emerge was that involving poker pro Ashley ‘Ash Kardash’ Morales, who claimed Vertucci tried to kiss her and was seeking “an arrangement” with her. After she rebuffed his advances, Ash claims Vertucci “changed… from very friendly… to cold…” and she wasn’t invited back on the show. It was also revealed that Vertucci asked for “very explicit things” from transfemale poker player Ellie, who had also appeared on HCL.
Nik Airball and Veronica Brill Pile in on Vertucci
Yesterday, both Nik Airball – the best-known of all the HCL players – and Veronica Brill – the Mike Postle whistleblower who later became co-host of The Nick Vertucci Show podcast – both decried HCL showrunner Vertucci’s behaviour.
“I am appalled by the behaviour of Nick Vertucci and deeply troubled by the additional allegations that continue to come out. His gross misconduct towards Julia, Lauren, and other women is inexcusable,” tweeted Airball.
As many of you know I have been a long time supporter of @HCLPokerShow and my good friend @TheRyanFeldman.
No players have chosen to speak out at this time out of fear of losing seats or being banned but I personally feel this must be publicly addressed.
I am appalled by the…
— Nik Airball (@nikairball) October 8, 2024
Claiming that Feldman – who co-founded High Stakes Production with Vertucci, the company behind HCL – “explicitly asked me not to post anything,” Airball nevertheless spoke out.
“I told him that was not an option,” revealed Airball, real name Nik Arcot.
While Vertucci (and Feldman) have yet to comment on the series of allegations, Airball called on Vertucci to step down.
“I firmly believe Nick needs to step away from HCL. Until that time comes I can no longer support the show in any way,” stated Airball, just a day after it was revealed HCL would be inviting him to its international debut for his poker “comeback”.
Airball offered to support those whose whistleblowing against Vertucci cost them their livelihood: “Anyone who loses their job due to speaking out can come to me and I will sort them out a new job. I trust Ryan and @HUSTLERCASINOLA will do the right thing and stand in support of the victims not the perpetrator.”
The Veronica Brill show and tell
Veronica Brill went one better and gave a lengthy interview in which she described Vertucci as “a liar and a manipulator” and “a creepy dude”, releasing previously unseen texts between the two.
“I am so fucking embarrassed that I even believed him,” Brill stated in the opening to her interview with Craig Tapscott, referring to Vertucci’s repeated denials about his conduct. Matt Berkey quickly picked up on Brill’s latest whitstleblowing episode…
“Fucking hell, this guy just tells me everything that I want to hear from his perspective to make him look like the good guy, or the victim.”
Vertucci himself is yet to make a statement on the allegations. He has, however, deleted his social media. This is a breaking story.
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The Ash Kardash allegations. Sickening 🤮 pic.twitter.com/2Y1mmaGD5N
— PokerSpacesNews (@PokerSpacesNews) October 7, 2024
