You know how celebrities often strike deals with trendy restaurants for free meals in exchange for a little social media love? Well, that arrangement just backfired big time for former Real Housewives of New York City star Sonja Morgan.
The 61-year-old reality TV icon found herself in the middle of an awkward (and very public) standoff over a pricey dinner bill at Manhattan’s buzzy new eatery, Tucci.
The Bill That Sparked All the Buzz
Over the weekend, Morgan reportedly dined at Tucci with a group of friends, and according to a source speaking to Page Six, she left without paying a whopping $1,000 tab.
The source also claimed she threw some serious diva energy around, allegedly saying she deserved a free meal because of her fame.
Things supposedly got so tense that she ended up banned from the restaurant.
But hold on—Sonja says that’s not how it went down at all.
Sonja Says It Was All a Simple Misunderstanding
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Morgan shared her side of the story and insists there was never any intention to skip out on the check.
According to her, she was invited to dine at Tucci on the house in exchange for a promotional Instagram post to her 1.2 million followers—something she says she’s done before without any issues.
“This wasn’t some random thing,” she explained.
“It was discussed with Max Tucci himself, through phone and text.
The staff even knew the meal was part of a social media deal.”
Morgan Clears the Air and Pays Up
Once things clearly went off the rails, Morgan says she offered several times to pay the bill and tried to contact Max Tucci to smooth things over—but never heard back.
So, to make things right, she paid the full amount on Monday, complete with a generous tip.
“There was a clear miscommunication,” she said.
“I believed I was dining in exchange for a promotional post, as discussed with Max.
I offered relentlessly to reimburse him when it seemed there was a disconnect.”
Still, despite getting paid in full, Tucci isn’t letting it slide.
Tucci Owner Isn’t Buying the Explanation
Max Tucci, who owns the celeb-frequented restaurant in NoHo, wasn’t exactly thrilled with Morgan’s version of events.
Speaking to Page Six, he doubled down on the claim that there was no agreement in place to comp her meal.
“She just wanted free food and service,” he said.
“There was no arrangement for a comped dinner.
She’s taking advantage of a place that’s becoming an ‘it spot’ to be seen.”
For context, Max Tucci is the grandson of Oscar Tucci, who famously ran the iconic Delmonico’s restaurant starting in 1926.
With that kind of legacy, Max isn’t interested in anyone messing with his brand—even if they’re a Bravo-lebrity.
Despite the Restaurant Drama, It’s Still Business as Usual for Sonja
Despite the blow-up, Sonja didn’t let the situation ruin her weekend.
On Mother’s Day, she hopped on Instagram to share a few glam selfies and wish fellow moms a happy holiday.
Her daughter Quincy, 24, also joined in the lovefest, posting sweet throwback pics and calling Sonja “the best mom.”
The former reality star responded in the comments with a heartfelt, “Love you so much Quincy girl.
I couldn’t be any prouder than I am.”
What’s Next for Sonja?
It’s unclear whether this restaurant dust-up will have any lasting impact on Sonja’s public image, but if there’s one thing we know about RHONY alums, it’s that they always bounce back—drama and all.
Will she return to Bravo screens or keep stirring the pot in NYC’s hottest restaurants? Either way, she’s keeping the spotlight, one headline at a time.