Night-Life Lawyer: A Controversial Legacy Ended
Night-Life Lawyer and notorious New York City attorney, Salvatore Strazzullo, was discovered deceased in his vehicle early Saturday morning in Brooklyn, as reported by local law enforcement.
At 52 years old, Strazzullo had amassed a reputation that intertwined his name with a series of scandalous cases, most notably the infamous lawsuit involving boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya and allegations surrounding provocative photos. The Brooklyn District Attorney, Eric Gonzalez, indicated that Strazzullo’s recent legal troubles included charges of swindling millions from his own clients to sustain a lavish lifestyle filled with luxury cars and high-end suits.
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Although medics pronounced him dead at the scene, initial investigations revealed no obvious signs of foul play. The circumstances surrounding his death further amplify the mystery of a life once filled with notoriety and glamor.
A Life Enmeshed in Scandal
The New York Times famously highlighted Strazzullo’s exploits in a 2012 profile that earned him the moniker “Night-Life Lawyer.” Previously a nightclub manager in the nineties, Strazzullo transitioned into law, representing a unique clientele that included strippers, nightclub staff, and even celebrities caught in the throes of mischief. His most remarkable case involved Milana Dravnel, an exotic dancer who sought to expose De La Hoya by suing him for $100 million over provocative photographs.
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Dravnel claimed that images showed the Golden Boy in scandalous attire—a black fishnet bodysuit and heels, alongside a white tutu. De La Hoya vehemently denied the allegations, insisting the images were altered. The public’s curiosity about the truth behind these revelations only fueled Strazzullo’s star power.
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This scandal did not end with the courtroom. Allegations arose suggesting that De La Hoya, the Golden Boy himself, preferred to be called “Goldie” when dressed in women’s attire. The saga took a turn years later when both parties reflected on the conflict in the HBO documentary “The Golden Boy,” offering viewers a glimpse into the fallout from their infamous interactions.
A Final Chapter Amidst Tumultuous Times
Strazzullo’s legal practice—a staple of Brooklyn bustle—faced turmoil as his firm’s website reportedly went offline just days after his death. Known for its location in Bensonhurst, his business once thrived amidst the vibrancy of the city. With looming court dates and multiple felony charges hanging over his head, including grand larceny and fraud, Strazzullo’s life seemed to mirror the chaos of New York nights.
A spokesperson for the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office declined to comment on the matter, deferring to earlier press releases that outlined the severe allegations against him. The questions of why someone so ingrained in the nightlife scene and legal chaos would meet such an untimely end linger.
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With a grand jury investigation trailing behind him and multiple accusations yet to be resolved in court, the finality of Strazzullo’s death raises poignant reflections on the whirlwind of a life lived in pursuit of the golden flashes of night’s debauchery. As New Yorkers ponder this grim chapter in their city’s tapestry, it serves as a reminder of how easily one can teeter on the brink of the law—even as they represent its intricacies.
