Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden faces backlash over 9/11 disco event

Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden in Astoria, Queens, is facing intense public backlash following its hosting of a ‘9/11 Silent Disco for Unity & Support’ on the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

Critics on social media and review platforms have condemned the event as insensitive, arguing that it inappropriately combined a national tragedy with a bar-themed party. The venue faced additional scrutiny for using an AI-generated promotional flyer that featured an incorrect skyline and for pledging only 20% of the event's proceeds to charity.

In response to the outcry, the business issued a statement defending its actions, asserting that they ‘stand firmly behind our team’ and stating that they ‘wanted to do something’ to remember the day. The venue noted that the controversial flyer was created by a staff member who is a U.S. Army veteran using AI tools.