It's one of the most exclusive night spots in Sydney, frequented by the city's high rollers who pay a $10,000 annual membership fee for the pleasure of exquisite views, and pricey cocktails sipped with hand-picked beautiful women. But back in October, the Ivy's 'secret' Level 6 penthouse club - owned by billionaire Merivale heir Justin Hemmes - was at the centre of a scandal following bombshell allegations of sexual assault, harassment and grooming along with copious drug use enabled by CCTV 'blind spots'.
![[The balcony overlooks the popular Ivy pool (pictured). Men gaze onto young women having a good time and often pick them out to join them upstairs - if they're worthy]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/30/03/94624641-14335341-The_balcony_overlooks_the_popular_Ivy_pool_pictured_Men_gaze_ont-a-4_1738208553362.jpg)
In a report, staff alleged they were exploited, encouraged to have sex with wealthy male clientele, and routinely sexually harassed within its walls. In return, they would allegedly receive Gucci handbags and hefty tips. One manager reportedly described it as being 'one step away from a brothel'.
![['I was in my element wearing my favourite black dress and stilettos. I was 25 and flirting with wealthy 40-year-olds in finance,' our Sydney local recalled (stock image)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/30/01/94624647-14335341-image-m-17_1738200315707.jpg)
In a statement denying the allegations, Merivale said 'incidents occur involving both patrons and staff' in all hospitality businesses. 'There is no denying this, However, Merivale handles complaints that are made about such incidents in accordance with its policies and procedures as well as its legal obligations,' the statement said.
![['Fellas, if your girlfriend has ever visited Level 6, you should probably break up with her immediately. Because she's looking to marry up,' says our insider]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/30/03/94666317-14335341-image-a-5_1738208764854.jpg)
Merivale insisted it had 'no record of these allegations', but added: 'If any of these allegations are even remotely true, we sincerely regret any distress caused.'. An anonymous woman from Sydney shared how she frequently visited Merivale's exclusive Level 6 (pictured) and why it's the 'worst place' to go if you have a boyfriend.
![[Last October, Justin Hemmes (pictured with his partner Madeline Holtznagel) emailed 5,000 of his employees to say he was 'devastated' at allegations made about behaviour at the Ivy, part of his hospitality empire. It is not suggested he is involved in any wrongdoing]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/30/03/91390329-14335341-Last_October_Justin_Hemmes_pictured_with_his_partner_Madeline_Ho-a-3_1738208552603.jpg)
