Owner of 'The Drunk Uncle' in West Allis sued for defamation over sexual assault claims

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The owner of the "The Drunk Uncle" bar in West Allis is being sued for defamation after allegations of retaliation and falsely accusing a customer of sexual assault. This, according to a lawsuit obtained from the Milwaukee County Circuit Court.

In the lawsuit, it alleges the plaintiff, Brynn Dutelle, went to the bar on Saturday, March 8. and felt uncomfortable with the actions of the owner and staff.

After leaving the bar, she wrote a google review about the bar and experience, including claims that a bartender was being disrespectful. In the review, it stated the bartender "leaned over the bar and touched my face asking me to make him a sandwich for international women's day. Completely uncomfortable and disrespected as a young woman in the establishment".

The owner and defendant, Neal Steffek then allegedly responded to the post, including a comment that read "You are a fat nerd with no friends."

The lawsuit goes on to say that he then sought out information on the plaintiff, including where she worked.

Upon learning of where she worked, Steffek is then accused of falsely claiming Dutelle sexually assaulted one of his employees in a Facebook post that connected to her workplace. 

With the post reading, "This employee sexually assaulted a bartender last night while drunk. Absolutely disgusting. Stay far away from this place."

According to the lawsuit, Dutelle had to meet with her employer and explain the circumstances of the post. 

Dutelle is claiming Steffek falsely accused her of sexual assault and that he acted maliciously with the intent to exact revenge. 

Steffek has 45 days to respond to the lawsuit. 

CBS 58 News spoke to Dutelle's lawyer about the lawsuit. 

CBS 58 also spoke with Steffek, who said he was advised not to speak to the media.