Eatontown Pizza Boss Went On Anti-Semitic Rant To Worker: Suit

Jan. 17 update: The pizzeria owner publicly apologized and has fired the manager. Read more: Manager Accused Of Anti-Semitic Rant Fired From Eatontown Eatery

EATONTOWN, NJ — A manager of an Eatontown pizzeria went on an anti-Semitic rant to a Jewish employee, according to a lawsuit. The rant came after the worker asked for Rosh Hashanah off, according to a discrimination lawsuit the former employee filed.

Nicholas Bogan, 17, had recently started working as a delivery person for Maurizio’s Pizzeria & Italian Ristorante. Bogan texted his boss, Francesco Scott Di Rinaldi, that he was going to celebrate the first night of Rosh Hashanah on Sept. 28.

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, is often regarded as one of Judaism's most important holidays.

Di Rinaldi wrote “(Expletive) the Jewish. Put them on fire (fire emoji). Like Hitler was trying to do. He had a point," according to a screenshot of the messages attached to the lawsuit.

Bogan responded with three "crying laughing" emojis in an attempt to defuse the situation.

But then Di Rinaldi "doubled down," according to the complaint. The manager responded that he “can’t stand” Jewish people or “Indians as well,” and that both groups “don’t belong in America," according to the screenshot.

Court documents don't list an attorney for Di Rinaldi or Maurizio's. Patch called the pizzeria asking for someone who could comment on the lawsuit. The business hung up.

The teen never returned to work because he was "deeply shaken and did not feel safe returning," according to the court documents.

Bogan's parents — Bradley and Felicia Bogan — brought the lawsuit, seeking back pay, benefits and punitive damages. Bogan also asked the court to order the pizzeria employees and supervisors undergo anti-discrimination and anti-harassment training.

A Different Maurizio's Pizzeria Speaks Out

Maurizio’s Pizzeria & Italian Ristorante is located in Eatontown's Victoria Commons. Maurizio's Pizzeria & Italian Grille — located in Neptune and Mays Landing — is not affiliated.

"As business owners, as well as human beings in general, we do NOT and will NOT condone that type of behavior and and find it appalling," the Mays Landing business wrote on Facebook. "It is our duty as people of every race, gender, and religion to be kind to others and live with the integrity of being of great character."

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