Hoosier Enquirer Investigates: Elise Hensley’s Chatterbox Bar Controversy Intensifies Amid Slur Allegations

Elise Hensley from Instagram

March 17, 2025 – Indianapolis, Indiana

By Hoosier Enquirer Staff

A viral incident at Chatterbox Bar in Indianapolis has sparked widespread debate, with conflicting narratives swirling online. Elise Hensley, a patron at the jazz club, claims she was discriminated against and ejected from the establishment for wearing a “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) hat. However, an investigation by Hoosier Enquirer, a non-profit dedicated to combating misinformation without political affiliation, reveals a more complex story—one involving alleged verbal attacks and homophobic slurs directed at the bar’s gay staff members.

Chatterbox Jazz Restaurant kicked out Elise Hensley for calling staff members faggots and other slurs. She was NOT originally kicked out for her MAGA Hat.

According to our findings, Hensley approached the bar on Friday, March 14, with a group of friends, some of whom were also wearing MAGA hats. Witnesses report that shortly after their arrival, Hensley and her group engaged in disruptive behavior, including the use of derogatory language toward bartenders. Specifically, multiple individuals present that night told Hoosier Enquirer that Hensley directed homophobic slurs at gay staff members, prompting the bar’s management to ask her to leave. The Chatterbox, known for its diverse and inclusive atmosphere, later issued a statement on Instagram asserting that Hensley and her group “intentionally misgendered and harassed” an employee, justifying their removal.

Hensley initially complied with the request to leave but soon returned to the bar, this time recording a short video of herself confronting the staff. In the footage, which she later posted to Facebook, a bartender is seen telling her to “get out” and citing her Trump support as the reason for her ejection. Hensley can be heard claiming discrimination, asking, “Don’t you guys want our money?”—a line that has since fueled outrage among some conservative circles online. However, her video omits the prior alleged altercation, painting a narrative of unprovoked bias that witnesses and the bar dispute.

Further research by Hoosier Enquirer uncovered additional context about Hensley’s actions. Following the incident’s viral spread—amplified by figures like Indiana Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith and X user @dom_lucre—Hensley deleted her personal Facebook account. She operates a branding and design business, Elise Hensley Design, with a professional website at elisehensleydesign.com and an Instagram profile at instagram.com/elisehensleyde. Our investigation suggests that her return to the bar to film the confrontation may have been a calculated move for attention, aligning with a pattern of seeking online notoriety.

The story took another turn when radio hosts Hammer and Nigel of 93WIBC scheduled, then abruptly canceled, an interview with Hensley. Sources close to the station indicated that the cancellation came after they learned her actions might have been motivated by a desire for “clicks” rather than a genuine grievance. Facing backlash from listeners for backing out, the hosts reversed course, announcing on March 16 that the interview was back on—a flip-flop that has only added to the controversy.

To verify these claims, Hoosier Enquirer spoke directly with witnesses at Chatterbox that night. Their accounts consistently supported the bar’s version of events: Hensley’s group engaged in hostile behavior, including the use of homophobic slurs, before being asked to leave. We also reviewed Hensley’s public statements and social media activity prior to her account deletion, cross-referencing them with available evidence. While Hensley has denied harassing or misgendering anyone, insisting she was targeted solely for her political beliefs, the testimony of those present contradicts her narrative.

Chatterbox Bar has stood by its decision, emphasizing its legal right to refuse service and its commitment to maintaining a welcoming environment. The bar’s Instagram statement noted that Hensley’s group “continued verbally assaulting our patrons and staff” and “threatened our establishment” after being asked to leave, further justifying their stance.

Hoosier Enquirer remains committed to presenting the facts amid a flood of online misinformation. While Hensley’s video has sparked sympathy from some who see it as an example of political intolerance, the evidence suggests her ejection stemmed from specific actions—namely, attacking staff with derogatory language—rather than her attire alone. As this story continues to unfold, we urge the public to approach sensational claims with skepticism and consider the full context of this divisive incident.