Lounge owner sues SF landlord for $2.55M over viral hosing video

A San Francisco lounge owner sued his landlord for more than $2.55 million, alleging a viral 2023 video showing the landlord hosing a homeless person outside the business falsely linked the conduct to the bar and triggered threats, harassment and major financial losses.

Arash Ghanadan and The Bubble Lounge San Francisco Inc., which operates Barbarossa Lounge at 714 Montgomery St., filed suit May 15 in San Francisco County Superior Court against Shannon Collier Gwin, individually and as trustee of the Shannon Collier Gwin Revocable Trust. The complaint seeks damages, restitution and release from the lease. Arash Ghanadan v. Shannon Collier Gwin et al. (S.F. Super. Ct., filed May 15, 2026).

According to the complaint, Gwin connected a hose to a utility pipe outside the lounge on Jan. 10, 2023, and sprayed a homeless person sitting on the sidewalk. Video of the incident drew more than 16 million views and widespread national media coverage.

The lawsuit alleges the video prominently displayed Barbarossa Lounge, causing viewers to mistakenly associate Gwin's actions with the business and its employees.

Neusha Ghaedi of DeMartini Walker & Ghaedi LLP, counsel for the plaintiffs, said the backlash caused lasting reputational harm.

"The video led many members of the public to incorrectly believe the individual involved was the owner of, employed by, or affiliated with Barbarossa Lounge," Ghaedi said Wednesday. "Since then, the business and its staff have endured ongoing harassment, death threats, damaging online reviews, and a severe decline in customer traffic and revenue."

The complaint alleges Ghanadan and employees received threats and abusive messages accusing the business of mistreating a homeless person. Plaintiffs also claim Gwin failed to correct public misconceptions despite knowing the business was being blamed.

The suit alleges breach of contract, negligence, unfair business practices and interference with prospective economic relations. Plaintiffs also seek punitive damages and contend the property has become "commercially non-viable," forcing the business to consider relocating.

The court had not assigned a case number as of Wednesday, and Gwin had not announced counsel.