Citizens of Scottsdale are making strident waves over Jenna Jameson's recent acquisition of Babe's Cabaret, a strip club on the southern side of the town, and her plans to remodel it as a branch of Club Jenna.
Jameson penned a letter to The Arizona Republic voicing her response to the opposing groups. Reprinted below is said letter:
I just wanted to take a moment to retort to all of the press and "flurry" (that's a cute word) of emails and letters to the local papers in reference to my recent acquisition of Babe's Cabaret.
I was a bit taken aback by the hostile response to the news. This has been an existing club for over 20 years. The neighbors that are in an uproar might want to realize that they moved into their home after Babe's was established as an Adult Cabaret. If you are offended by the type of nightclub, then why did you move near it in the first place??? I am sure the people who are offended are actually not affronted by the actual club, but by the fact I am attached to it. This to me is not only comical, but also rude. If you actually do a bit of research you would realize that I handle myself as a self respected, successful businesswoman. I am a woman in a men's industry and I have taken my company to the top. I have written a book How To Make Love Like A Porn Star that was on the New York Times bestseller list for over 10 weeks and have starred in many mainstream movies and television shows. I strive to be the best in whatever I do. I want to clean up the existing club and actually make it a high-end cabaret for adults, both men and women. If you have been by lately you would note that 30-40% of the customers are women and couples. I am clearly against owning a tawdry and seedy club as those opposing my take over would like you to assume.
I would love to hear the concerns of the neighbors and like to clear up any fears or assumptions they might have. I am sure they have some valid concerns and I aim to alleviate anything that is within my power and still be business friendly. So, I don't have a problem with what I'm doing at Babe's and I don't have difficulty defending myself against prejudice toward my personal career choice. I always look at both sides of controversies, and totally understand that some people have a fear of the unknown, especially when it comes to the stigma that often surrounds adult entertainment. I do not impose my views onto anyone and would appreciate the same in return.
My problem with this so-called protest is that it seems to be an anti-woman play. No one ever complained about Babe's when men owned it. Why is it that when a high-profile woman buys the club it is suddenly something really bad?
Or is it something even simpler than that — are the people who are protesting using this opportunity to further their own agenda and impose their moral crusade onto anyone and everyone in their path.
Whatever the reason, I think you'll find that we are good citizens and good neighbors. Come on by one of these days or nights and see for yourself.
Jenna Jameson
The Republic's piece on the controversy can be read at http://www.azcentral.com/community/scottsdale/articles/0817jameson17.html.
AVN.com will report more on this story as it develops.
