Restaurant at center of Jackson Mahomes' assault case forced to close

The restaurant that served as the scene of Jackson Mahomes’ alleged sexual assault has been forced to close its doors, according to the Kansas City Star.

The alleged incident involving Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes‘ younger brother happened at Aspens Restaurant and Lounge, a restaurant located in Kansas City in February. The victim was Aspen Vaughn, the restaurant owner.

The Star spoke to an admin employee, Stephanie Lopez, who told the paper that despite making it through the post-pandemic lull, the eatery faced too much negativity to survive.

“It’s hard to own a company and go through everything that we’ve gone through,” Lopez said. “We were so close to making it, and then this whole thing happened.”

After sharing her story, Vaughn received death threats and harassment. The restaurant was targeted as well.

“I feel like definitely, since it’s occurred, my safety is definitely at risk,” Vaughn told the Star. “I’m feeling attacked by people I’ve never met. Why do victims not come forward? It’s because this is how they get treated.”

After coming forward, the restaurant owner claimed that Aspens’ business went down by 75%. Also, she believes someone purposefully cut the air conditioning, as well as damaged the natural gas lines, and pulled fire alarms, causing water damage to the interior.

Mahomes’ alleged assault caught on security footage

Jackson allegedly grabbed the woman by the throat and forcibly kissed her three times. He then reportedly attempted to bribe the woman by saying he could help her business (presumably because of his large social media following), per The New York Post.

Per the report, Jackson told Vaughn he needed to speak with her privately. When they went to her office, he closed the door. That’s when the alleged assault occurred.

“He then grabbed her by the throat, forcing her head back and kissed her and put his tongue in her mouth,” an affidavit states, released at the order of Johnson County District Judge Thomas Sunderland.

Vaughn also provided video surveillance of the alleged incident.

Jackson also allegedly shoved a 19-year-old waiter at the restaurant multiple times. The younger Mahomes was arrested in May and charged with three counts of aggravated sexual battery, and an additional count of misdemeanor battery.

He made $100,000 bond shortly after an appearance in court.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has addressed the issue, however briefly.

“At the end of the day, I come here to play football and try to take care of my family, at the same time,” Mahomes said following his brother’s arrest. “So, just kind of keep it to myself and just go out there and play football when I’m in the building.”

He continued, noting that he has a job to do and that’s what he’ll be focused on when he’s at work. “It’s your family,” he added, “but you have to come in here and do a job. And that’s what I try to do every day.”