Alan Dershowitz, a seasonal Chilmark resident and prominent attorney known for his controversial clients, is threatening litigation after he was denied a half dozen pierogi at the West Tisbury Farmers’ Market this week.
Alan Dershowitz, a seasonal Chilmark resident and prominent attorney known for his controversial clients, is threatening litigation after he was denied a half dozen pierogi at the West Tisbury Farmers’ Market this week.
A Harvard Law professor famous for his public outcries of being socially ostracized on Martha’s Vineyard, Mr. Dershowitz issued the threat and laid out his claims of discrimination at the summer market in a 30-minute video posted on Youtube Wednesday.
He alleged that he tried to order the dumplings at Good Pierogi during the weekly Wednesday market, before the person at the stand refused to do business with him due to Mr. Dershowitz’s politics.
“He said at one point he didn’t like the people I defended,” said Mr. Dershowitz, who has represented O.J. Simpson, Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump. “A lot of people don’t like the people I’ve represented, but they don’t refuse to serve me. And I said ‘That was pure McCarthyism.’”
West Tisbury Farmers' Market is popular spot on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
West Tisbury Farmers' Market is popular spot on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
During his video, in which he sported a farmers’ market T-shirt, Mr. Dershowitz went on to threaten legal action against the farmers’ market to ensure that they only have booths that will sell to everybody and don’t allow booths that discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion or politics.
Ethan Buchanan-Valenti, the manager of the farmers’ market, offered a brief statement on the incident.
“The West Tisbury Farmers’ Market is committed to supporting local agriculture and business — and that means not only supporting our vendors, but our patrons as well,” he wrote. “We are reviewing our own internal bylaws to make sure everyone at the market is always being respected and their rights protected.”
Police were called around 10 a.m. to assist with the situation. According to a statement from West Tisbury police, Mr. Dershowitz expressed displeasure with the operators of the pierogi tent, an officer de-escalated the situation, and everyone went their separate ways.
A video taken by a bystander shows Mr. Dershowitz’s interaction with a police officer. In the video, posted on social media, Mr. Dershowitz claims that the refusal of service was against the law and he goes on to have a several minute conservation with the officer.
The officer asks Mr. Dershowitz to stop standing at the front of the stand as other customers come up and also notes that because the stand was a private establishment, they had the right to refuse service.
“They have the right to refuse customers of their choosing,” the officer can be heard saying.
Good Pierogi is run by Krem Miskevich and started at the farmers’ market this year. They did not respond to a request for comment Thursday, though the business did thank the person who posted the video of the officer interaction in an Instagram comment.
Mr. Dershowitz is a regular at the farmers’ market, and can often be seen there wearing a shirt that reads “Proud American Zionist.” He mentioned the shirt during his Youtube video, and claimed that Wednesday’s incident was another example of the intolerance of the Island.
“It became evident to me that [the pierogi seller] opposed my being a Zionist, my support for Israel,” Mr. Dershowitz said.
This is not Mr. Dershowitz’s first kerfuffle on the Island. He allegedly got into a tiff with comedian Larry David on the porch of the Chilmark General Store, and waged a public campaign against the Chilmark library and others for not inviting him to talk about his work.
“I’ve been on the Island now 50 years,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a place that is as intolerant as Martha’s Vineyard.”
Wednesday’s incident attracted international attention, gaining press in New York Magazine, The Daily Beast, and The Independent.
Comments
chilmark. their behavior on
michael edgartownchilmark. their behavior on display is evident they hate alan Dershowitz. go get em alan
Maybe they just really didn’t
JosephMaybe they just really didn’t want to serve the lawyer who kept Epstein out of jail…can’t really blame them for that.
The West Tisbury Farmer's
Josh EdgartownThe West Tisbury Farmer's Market is in Chilmark?
I never heard of vendors
Susan NYCI never heard of vendors being allowed to refuse customers of their choosing.
Perhaps they should post signs stating just who they will serve to avoid further confrontations.
"Anyone but Alan"?
Esther Oak Bluffs"Anyone but Alan"?
Have you really never seen
Steve FalmouthHave you really never seen signs in stores or restaurants that read “We reserve the right to refuse service?” They’re everywhere and there perfectly legal, as long as that denial of service was not done on the basis of Dersh’s membership in a protected class. And last I checked, “attorneys who defend rich scumbags” doesn’t qualify.
Dershowitz is running out of
Diane OBDershowitz is running out of ways to remain relevant and “in the news”.
Dersh has his 1st Amendment
Fred Off IslandDersh has his 1st Amendment rights. So does the vendor. Maybe Dersh should try (and fail) to cal for a boycott.
It is a fine line between
EdIt is a fine line between religious, moral, immoral, and political, and getting blurrier by the day. The vender could have taken offense at many aspects of Mr. Dershowitz's work. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are now shunned by the parties in power. It's all well and good until someone can't have a pierogi!
If Mr Deshowitz considers the
Ellen ChilmarkIf Mr Deshowitz considers the Vineyard the most intolerant place he has ever been, I wonder why he continues to return. But perhaps returning might be an opportunity to understand the points of view he encounters.
Does Good Pierogi cater?
Danny VHDoes Good Pierogi cater? Asking for friend.
Can they ship? I can't be
ErichCan they ship? I can't be there this season for the Market. Ready to order ASAP.
Sounds like a Curb Your
AnonymousSounds like a Curb Your Enthusiasm episode!
Bravo to Good Pierogi.
lucia edgartownBravo to Good Pierogi.
This action is a beacon of morality. Thank you for speaking out. Thank you for standing up for humanity. Decency is on your side. Let us come together as a community and normalize moral decency.
As a prominent attorney,
Tim Judge Tarrytown, NYAs a prominent attorney, surely Counselor Dershowitz knows of Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 584 U.S. 617 (2018).
Exactly what I was thinking.
Diane IthacaExactly what I was thinking.
You clearly did not read the
Lisa MulliganYou clearly did not read the decision or you would agree with Professor Dershowitz.
Very apt citation.
Christopher Daly AquinnahVery apt citation.
Your "insight" is mute: he
Marcel Wylie TXYour "insight" is mute: he explicitely mentions this case during his podcast, with its essential bifurcated ruling. Watch the podcast because it is thoughtful in content as well as delivery.
Anyone who would deend
Charlie Callahan So Boston/EdgartownAnyone who would defend Epstein and Simpson should be ashamed
Everyone is entitled to a
Cheryl Rizzo Bedford, NHEveryone is entitled to a legal defense. . . even you!
Buy more pierogis!!
Anonymous ChilmarkBuy more pierogis!!
Shall we all gather round the
Tim Johnson TisburyShall we all gather round the Pierogi tent in our chairs and wait for the return of the ever-powerful (in his mind ) Counselor Dershowitz? Someone could bring a table and some games to pass the time and enjoy some fine food at the Farmers Market.
Yep. Another perfect example
Roddy Seasonal VisitorYep. Another perfect example of the hypocrisy of the Vineyard politics. Championing the continuation of DEI policies nationwide yet blatantly EXCLUDING anyone with differing positions. Can’t make this stuff up.
Any establishment can refuse
Mark Melia Portland OR, nee of EdgartownAny establishment can refuse service as long as it is not based on a protected class, ie gender, race, religion, etc. Dershowitz knows this better than almost anyone. What a waste of tax payer dollars to call the police on this.
Dershowitz if you find us so
Susan Desmarais Oak BluffsDershowitz if you find us so offensive why keep coming here? Surely you can get pierogis elsewhere.
I congratulate Atty.
RobbyK Oak BluffsI congratulate Atty. Dershowitz for his potential legal action against the Farmers Market. As a lifelong seasonal resident of the Vineyard, the Farmers Market has never been and should never be political in any way. Refusing Atty. Dershowitz is an insult to all of us who appreciate the Vineyard for its diversity, politically and culturally. When I was working here, I served Presidents I didn't care for politically, first ladies, Speakers of the House and many more, but I put my personal beliefs to the side, and was appreciative of their business. Atty. Dershowitz loves the island, and chooses to be here. Many on the island have to has to stop and be thankful that the community supports them, talks them up and ultimately puts food on their plates. Atty. Dershowitz was there to support the island community, and buy some Pierogi. Be thankful for the business. Btw, I'll make you some homemade Pierogi Atty. Dershowitz, my treat. Let the Good Pierogi people kiss your Dupa.
well said Robby.
Pat H floridawell said Robby.
What some seem to have lost
Brian Seasonal visitorWhat some seem to have lost sight of is that in our legal system, EVERY accused person is presumed innocent and entitled to make their best case, with the assistance of competent legal counsel. Representing someone does not mean the lawyer does (or does not) agree with that person. Legal representation is not a moral endorsement. It is an essential feature to assure fairness of the final judgment. Would you have it another way?
I've known Alan for a number
Edna ChilmarkI've known Alan for a number of years, and have asked him why he always needs to look for confrontation in almost every aspect of his daily life. He says its the lawyer in him. Sadly, as more merchants understand their right to refuse him service, I think Alan will find fewer and fewer vendors willing to sell or deal with him. I can only say he brings it upon himself.
Hes a youtuber now and does
Ken Edg.Hes a youtuber now and does this for views.
Peace and Love , Peace and
Ritchie Starkey West Chop & L.A.Peace and Love , Peace and Love.
I've stopped frequenting
Jose Oak BluffsI've stopped frequenting vendors or businesses that push political agendas. I shop for goods and services, not indoctrination.
I'm glad that there are attorneys that defend the accused, even those who are accused of really bad crimes. This is fundamental to our democracy. This keeps our citizens safe and protected by the rule of law. Remember that it was John Adams that defended British soldiers accused if the Boston Massacre. That's how deeply he felt about the rule of law and the rights of the accused.
Jose, I agree. Goods and
Lorraine EdgartownJose, I agree. Goods and services, not indoctrination, well put. I was waiting for someone to remember that Quincy Icon, John Adams, were he alive today and reading these comments, what would he say? He defended the British Soldiers accused in the Boston Massacre, he was excoriated at the time, by many. How easily we forget that EVERYONE is owed a defense, under the law. This quote, attributed to Santayana, "those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" shows us how little we remember history. As a proud descendant of early colonial settlers in Massachusetts, I am becoming quite unsettled with the hysteria and lack of tolerance on this island which promotes tolerance and understanding. Perhaps a bit of self introspection is not amiss here?
May I remind you no one was
Elaine EdgartownMay I remind you no one was massacred over pierogies here. Quoting Santayana over pierogies is a bit heavy handed and a waste of a really good quote. A customer got his feelings hurt. I happen to not like the customer, either. I won't self-introspect more than that.
Good Sunday. If you have been
Steven Cronig Vineyard HavenGood Sunday. If you have been following the latest Martha's Vineyard tempest in a teapot, you have seen Alan Dershowitz threatening to file suit against a vendor at a local farmer's market for refusing to sell him a pierogi. I have joined the defense team for the vendor and my firm will be filing an "amicus pierogi brief".
In the immortal words never
Jimmy OBIn the immortal words never uttered by that patriot Patrick Henry in 1775: "Give me Pierogis, or I'm filing a lawsuit."
Maybe the vendor wouldn't
Marty Milner Tallahassee, FlMaybe the vendor wouldn't serve him because of his politics and penchant for suing willy nilly and running up legal bills everywhere he goes. "Go away I'm a small time vendor without a lawyer and its a beautiful afternoon on the Vineyard. I rest my case."
I guess Allen Duchenne was
Bill VirginiaI guess Allen Duchenne was forgot about the case, settled by the Supreme Court, that told bakers they can deny service to people based on their beliefs. Too bad Alan, the Vineyard farmers market can do what it wants, based on conscience.
Maybe you'll have better luck on Nantucket
Years ago, I played in the
jjgrlYears ago, I played in the weekly softball game in west tis next to the firehouse, Dershowitz was on the other team, and when I bare hand fielded his wobbler of a hit to 2nd base and tossed him out at first, he ran up to me, angry and yelled, who do you think you are?! A boy?! Yes, I was the only female playing, and my friends later suggested I should have asked him the same haha. The other guys including Peter Simon, were very nice and I played whenever I was on island. In any case, I don’t think it’s just the “lawyer in him”. He’s a very angry and combative person and I avoid him when I see him around.
Isn't is ironic that a
Steven Rizzo 30 year seasonal visitorIsn't is ironic that a Farmers Market that depends on customers to purchase their goods, literally bites the hand that feeds them without a justifiable cause. It is a bad look for the island and that vendor should not be permitted to sell there anymore. We come to this island to relax and get away from all the day to day politics and so forth, yet it appears the residents here thrive on it.
My wife and I have been seasonal visitors to MV for over 30 years and have seen locals resent the off islanders, but love their money! Without the tourism, this island would be a wasteland.
During our two week stay we will spend over $10,000 between rentals, restaurants and maybe even a few pirogi's! It might be time to look to spend our money elsewhere where it will be appreciated.
What does how much you spend
John VHWhat does how much you spend have anything to do with this matter? Asta la vista.
“Without the tourism, this
Joseph C. West Tisbury“Without the tourism, this island would be a wasteland.”
This ideology is disappointing and disturbing considering the inherent natural beauty of the island that attracted you here in the first place. We have survived as an agricultural and fishing community for centuries and are being usurped by the excess of visitors here. We are no longer a peaceful and tranquil community as we once were. You need us as much as we need you, if you fail to understand that, then I genuinely feel sorry for you.
“It might be time to look to spend our money elsewhere where it will be appreciated.”
Don’t let the door hit you on your way out.
As Michael Jordan is reported
Lorraine EdgartownAs Michael Jordan is reported to have said, "Republicans buy sneakers, too". As do a myriad of philosophies as represented by the good people of this island.
Come on folks. everyone
Inde West tisburyCome on folks. everyone deserves to be treated lawfully, even people you don’t like, and that’s what lawyers try to do. They try to make sure the laws apply to everyone. Ostracizing people is cruel and obnoxious. I don’t like a lot of people Dershowitz has represented, but he has also supported plenty of good people. . He has supported Harvard law students who researched Jews who fled the holocaust and went to South Africa when other professors found it an inappropriate research topic. He’s interested in the law first and for most. Yeah, he likes attention, but not serving him his periogis is like not making wedding cakes for gay people. Just treat him like a human and stop over politicizing everything. Dont serve Trump but serve a lawyer who doing his job.
When I turned 50 many years
Angela Vineyard HavenWhen I turned 50 many years ago I reflected on my time here. One of my reflections was that with my remaining time on earth I only wanted to deal with nice people. I don't know Mr. Dershowitz personally. But I remember how he treated some librarians, and how frightened they were, and now the pierogi guy becoming this summer's focus for him. There are ways to go about how you deal with other people. I guess in my simple, removed world I'm with Team Pierogi.
This is pure antisemitism.
SusanS West TisThis is pure antisemitism. There is a difference between who he represents and who he is. I am a proud Jew and Zionist.
I am also a Democrat that hates who he represents
Two very different things.
Don’t sell him based on politics NOT religion.
Come on now. Where in the
Sarah J. San Francisco, CACome on now. Where in the merchant's statements is anything about disliking Jews as a whole? Do you think they scorn selling to all Jews? Pfffft. Martha's Vineyard has a large and appreciated Jewish population: heck, the Hebrew Center has about 350 families as members, and there is also Chabad on the Vineyard... I do not think Good Pierogi is biased as you baselessly suggest, but does not want to serve Mr. Dershowitz because, as they state on their Instagram, he has “consciously decided to befriend and defend men who have been accused of abusing and harming women." Simple as that.
A lawyer representing a
Vince CanadaA lawyer representing a client is not a moral endorsement of the client. Therefore the vendor should not have authority to refuse him service. The market place should be open to all since it is a public space. The vendor if they disagree is free to do business elsewhere.
I’ve not historically been a
John Aldeborgh KatamaI’ve not historically been a huge fan of Mr. Dershowitz’s politics but either I’m getting old or his integrity is growing on me. Say what you will but he’s a man of principle as well as something of an activist; I believe he always has been. He’s never been afraid of controversy or confrontation, including defending people who needed an expert lawyer regardless of how unsavory their character might have been. Mr. Dershowitz has pushed many boundaries, was Secretary of Labor under Bill Clinton and has unapologetically supported Israel over the past 2+ years. Again, I haven’t always agreed with Mr. Dershowitz but I have come to respect him and the refusal to sell him a dumpling is without question un-inclusive and un-American.
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