Comedian Chloe Fineman has expressed admiration for Demi Moore after the actress reached out to her personally following an uncomfortable incident earlier this year in Manhattan. Fineman, known for her work on Saturday Night Live, revealed that Moore’s gesture came months after Fineman was brusquely treated by a restaurant manager while attempting to greet the Oscar-nominated star and her famous dog. The incident and Moore’s response highlight the unexpected connection between the two celebrities and underscore the challenging realities of navigating public spaces in New York City.
An Unexpected Connection Amid a Difficult Restaurant Experience
During a visit to an Italian restaurant on Madison Avenue, Fineman and her sister noticed Demi Moore and her dog nearby. Fineman approached to say hello, recalling past friendly interactions involving Moore’s dog, Pilaf. However, their attempt to engage was abruptly interrupted by the restaurant’s manager, who reacted harshly despite several empty tables being available. Fineman described feeling singled out and questioned whether her appearance without makeup contributed to the manager’s attitude. The manager’s insistence that she leave the restaurant escalated tension, as Fineman tried to explain her identity as an SNL cast member.
The manager responded sternly, claiming he treated everyone equally regardless of their status, but the exchange left Fineman feeling unwelcome and frustrated. She admitted to losing patience during the confrontation, describing it as a “Karen moment” fueled by New York’s notoriously brusque atmosphere. Despite the incident, Moore acknowledged Fineman with a warm greeting, offering a sharp contrast to the staff’s behavior.
Demi Moore’s Outreach and Recognition
Following the incident, Moore reached out to Fineman through direct messages, offering kindness and support. Fineman recalled,
“We had a lovely exchange in the DMs,”
expressing gratitude for the connection. She praised Moore enthusiastically, calling her “a queen and a goddess” and an “Oscar-worthy star.” Moore was nominated for Best Actress earlier this year for her role in “The Substance,” a film where she portrays a 50-year-old actress who experiences a surreal transformation, leading to a younger version of herself.
Though Moore did not win the Oscar, losing to Mikey Madison for the film “Anora,” her nomination was viewed by many as a much-needed recognition of her enduring talent. For Fineman, the interaction with Moore was a bright spot following the upsetting restaurant incident, reinforcing her admiration for the veteran actress.
Implications of the Incident and What Comes Next
This episode brings attention to the challenges celebrities and everyday patrons alike face in New York’s high-end dining establishments, where social cues and gatekeeping can create awkward or unwelcoming experiences. Fineman’s experience highlights issues around staff behavior and the treatment of patrons, even in nearly empty venues. Meanwhile, Moore’s supportive response illustrates how public figures can offer solidarity to others facing public dismissiveness or rudeness.
The development also suggests a growing camaraderie between Moore and Fineman, crossing paths between Hollywood acclaim and Saturday Night Live’s stage. As for Fineman, returning to SNL’s Studio 8H for season 51, this story adds a layer of personal resilience amid a high-profile career. The interaction may also encourage conversations about respectful conduct in public spaces and how celebrities and fans navigate such moments with empathy and kindness.
Fineman Details the Restaurant Confrontation
Fineman recounted the details of the incident, noting that she arrived with her sister at Sant Ambroeus, a known Italian eatery that sits in what she wryly labeled a “food desert” along Madison Avenue. She noticed Moore and her dog, Pilaf, a tiny and well-known canine companion, and greeted them warmly due to their previous backstage interaction. Despite Moore’s friendly response, restaurant staff were less accommodating.
The manager questioned Fineman’s presence, sharply ordering her to leave despite numerous empty tables. Fineman said,
“I don’t know, maybe I had no makeup on — did I not look legitimate enough for this empty room of Sant Ambroeus?”
She further explained the confusion around needing approval from another staff member simply to get a seat. Her attempts to clarify her identity were dismissed, as she recalled saying,
“I was like, ‘Calm down. I’m not nobody. I’m on SNL.’ He was like, ‘I don’t care who you are. I treat everybody the same,’”
followed by a heated exchange where each accused the other of rudeness.
Ultimately, Fineman decided to remove herself from the situation, reflecting on how the encounter brought out an unpleasant side of her personality. She concluded,
“You could call it a Karen [moment]. I also call it living in New York and everyone is rude as f‑‑‑.”
