Leva Bonaparte Wields Power and Terminates 2 Employees in Season 2 Debut of 'Southern Hospitality'
Leva Bonaparte firmly wields her power in the explosive season 2 premiere of 'Southern Hospitality', firing two employees, Lucia Pena and Mia Alario, in a shocking display of authority Brace yourself for a riveting episode that will leave you on the edge of your seat
Mia Alario, Leva Bonaparte, Lucia Pena. Stephanie Diani/Bravo (3)
Leva Bonaparte asserted her authority by dismissing two servers who were caught drinking on the job in the season 2 premiere of Southern Hospitality. "Unfortunately, our rules became lax over the years, which is my fault for wanting to be a friendly boss," the 44-year-old revealed during the December 7 episode of the Bravo series. "It's important for them to remember that they are the hosts of the party, not the guests."
Leva is a co-owner of Charleston’s Republic Garden & Lounge with her husband, Lamar Bonaparte. In the season premiere, fans discovered that Lucía Peña, a star from season 1, was released before filming resumed. Lucía stated that she was "terminated via text message," but her friend Mia Alario commented, "You did drink on the job." In response, Lucía argued that it was "just one swig" and claimed that Leva never gave her a proper warning before terminating her, emphasizing that it was her first write-up in seven years.
Lucía's termination came as a shock to her co-workers, but it was the aftermath that caused the most upheaval. When 25-year-old Mia found out that Leva expected an apology from Lucía for her involvement in the drama, Mia lost her temper and confronted her boss during her shift.
"Leva is completely drunk on power. We work at a nightclub, not a fast-food restaurant," Mia told the cameras before addressing her boss directly, saying, "I'm upset. The hypocrisy you're displaying as a boss."
Leva was surprised by Mia's remarks and cautioned her, "If you drink back here, you're finished." Despite this, Mia disagreed with Leva, stating, "I don't understand. Employees have been drinking here so many times."
Leva Bonaparte, Will Kulp. Jeff Gentner/Bravo
When Leva asked her to name names, Mia admitted to drinking while on shift. "Then you should be gone too. You are fired. Walk out. You're done. Good night," Leva responded. "You said you drink on shift, you're done."
Mia angrily yelled, "You're not going to mess with me," to which Leva responded, "You're fired. You're no longer an employee. Leave, now."
Leva was furious after the argument, stating that Mia "will never work for me in any capacity again." She added, "I've never seen Mia drinking on camera, but if she's admitting to it, then she should leave."
Mia firmly stood her ground outside the club, proclaiming to her former coworkers, "My friendship with Lucía is more important to me than this job."
In another part of the episode, Leva regretfully informed the remaining staff members that it had not been the team's best week. She admitted, "I hate having to let anyone go," and reminded them not to "fire yourselves" by disregarding the rules.
After reiterating that drinking on the job was a fireable offense, the staff was left reeling.
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"Do you really think our most successful sales night has been when we were sober?" joked Emmy Sharrett during an interview. Maddi Reese, who has been sober for years, added a playful tease, "I can handle a shift without drinking, but can they?"
Southern Hospitality airs on Bravo Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.
