Richie Akiva and Darren Dzienciol, two of New York City’s most prominent nightlife figures, have had a falling out, according to Page Six. The split was so bad that they both hosted rival A-list parties during this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Their History
Akiva and Scott Sartiano, the owner of the Zero Bond members club, opened the 1Oak nightclub in 2007. Meanwhile, Dzienciol became a leading figure in the Los Angeles nightlife scene. In 2014, they teamed up to open 10ak in L.A. Despite Akiva and Sartiano’s split and their $15 million court battle over 1Oak in 2018, Akiva and Dzienciol continued throwing famous parties such as the Oscars and the amfAR gala.
Their Split
After this year’s Oscar party, Akiva and Dzienciol’s relationship went sour. It reached its peak at the Cannes Film Festival when they both hosted after-amFAR parties. Dzienciol posted a conspicuous Instagram slide saying, “Out with the old, in with the new,” sparking a social media feud. One source close to Akiva called it an “immature feud,” while others claim there was plenty of bad blood. Akiva did not engage in any Instagram wars and was reportedly disappointed by the breakup, especially after all the doors he opened for Dzienciol.
Johnny Depp’s Party
Akiva made a bold move by claiming that Johnny Depp would host his party, but Depp never showed up. Meanwhile, Leonardo DiCaprio, Akiva’s close friend and frequent partygoer, attended his party along with Tobey Maguire, Orlando Bloom, Halsey, Queen Latifah, Robin Thicke, James Marsden, Elon Musk’s mother Maye Musk, and many models. The party continued until past 7 a.m. with performances by Chase B and DJ Zack Bia, Keinemusik, and DJ Cruz.
Dzienciol’s Party
Dzienciol’s party at the Domaine de L’Ansa was attended by celebrities such as Kate Beckinsale, Adam Lambert, Alton Mason, Starino, Teyana Taylor, Lucien Laviscount, Winnie Harlow, Wallis Day, Elsa Hosk, Natasha Poly, James Marsden, Izabel Goulart, Stassi Karanikolaou, Kyle Kuzma, and Carol Mendes.
The split between Richie Akiva and Darren Dzienciol has caused a stir in the New York City nightlife scene. It remains to be seen how this will affect their businesses and future collaborations.