Brooklyn Lawyer Snagged in Corruption Probe, and Now, a Reality Show

Azi Paybarah — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 19:23:53 -0400

Political corruption in New York manages to grab even more of the spotlight, courtesy of Lifetime's Brighton Beach.

Michael Levitis, lawyer and owner of Rasputin Nightclub (2670 Coney Island Avenue) confirmed to Sheepshead Bites that the show is focused, in part, on his family, a casting decision that comes as Levitis is caught up in an alleged corruption scheme with State Senator Carl Kruger.
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“I wouldn’t say this is a criminal family. Yes, Levitis was involved with unfortunate incidents with Senator Kruger – but they resolved it and I don’t think Lifetime will put that in their episodes,” said [one-time show critic-turned-supporter, John] Lisyanskiy.

UPDATE: Lisyanskiy objects to my characterization of him as a "supporter" of the upcoming show, emailing me to say, "I remain neutral at this point waiting to see the final result of the pilot."

Observer » Brooklyn Lawyer Snagged in Corruption Probe, and Now, a Reality Show

Brooklyn Lawyer Snagged in Corruption Probe, and Now, a Reality Show