Days later, the Pirate’s Booty founder lost the Sea Cliff, NY election to incumbent Elena Villafane.
The bizarre stunt unfolded at 9:44 a.m. on Monday, March 10, when Ehrlich and three associates—Jeff Knox, Arthur Liebold, and an unidentified man—marched into Village Hall and announced that he was now in charge, according to a statement from the Village of Sea Cliff (which is just under 2 square miles).
‘You’re All Fired!’ (Not Really)
Ehrlich, who also owns a snack company called Vegan Rob’s and manages a bar in the East Village, reportedly demanded access to office space and told every village employee they were fired, though he generously offered them the chance to reapply for their jobs.
When officials informed him that his hostile takeover attempt was completely illegal, he and his crew doubled down, according to village officials.
Instead of leaving, Ehrlich and his associates raised their voices, used profanity, and harassed employees for nearly an hour, officials said. Police were eventually called in to de-escalate the situation before order was restored.
Massive Election Loss Follows Village Hall Chaos
The dramatic showdown came just days before the Sea Cliff mayoral election, in which Ehrlich’s apparent target, Mayor Villafane, crushed her opponent in a landslide victory.
Villafane won with 1,064 votes to just 62 for her challenger, the village announced on Wednesday, March 19.
A supporter at her victory celebration summed it up: “This election result affirms that the community values honest leadership, integrity, and tangible accomplishments.”
Village Officials: ‘Business As Usual’
Despite Ehrlich’s failed coup, officials reassured residents that nothing has changed—Sea Cliff continues to operate under its legally elected leadership.
The Sea Cliff Board of Trustees praised Village Hall staff for keeping their cool during what they described as “intense and outlandish behavior.”
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