A lesbian bar in Greenfield, Massachusetts, called Last Ditch has become the center of an online dispute after its owner, Jackie Matellian, announced the venue would allow mask-optional Saturday nights, according to TheBlaze. The bar had required masks for six years before the rule was eased, according to The Hill.
The change, aimed at hosting larger events, DJs and themed club nights while keeping other masked gatherings throughout the month according to TheBlaze, prompted swift backlash from some patrons and online commenters. Fox News reported that comedian Bill Maher highlighted the bar's situation, saying it faced firebomb threats after lifting the mandate for one night a week; this claim was not corroborated by other outlets.
Center-leaning outlets framed the episode as part of a broader conversation about the decline of lesbian bars nationally, with NewsNation and The Hill noting the backlash reignited debate over the industry's struggles. Newsweek reported that Google Reviews for the bar were shut down amid the controversy.
Right-leaning outlets characterized the reaction to the policy change as extreme, with TheBlaze citing a comment accusing the bar of endangering disabled people, and describing continued turmoil around the venue, according to Townhall and The Daily Wire.
How each side covered it
Center
- The Hill and NewsNation tied the incident to the broader trend of dwindling lesbian bars nationwide.
- The Hill reported the bar had required masks for six years before the rule was eased.
- Newsweek reported the bar's Google Reviews were shut down amid the controversy.
“Lesbian bars are dwindling across the US. How online outrage over mask policy dispute thrust one into the spotlight” — The Hill
Right
- Fox News cited comedian Bill Maher describing the backlash as coming from an 'intolerant left.'
- TheBlaze reported the bar faces threats and accusations, including a comment that it was endangering disabled people.
- Townhall and The Daily Wire described continued turmoil and backlash following the policy change.
“'You kill disabled people': Lesbian bar faces revolt over mask-optional event in 2026” — TheBlaze
Questions readers ask
What happened at the Last Ditch lesbian bar in Massachusetts?
Owner Jackie Matellian eased a six-year mask mandate at Last Ditch, a lesbian bar in Greenfield, Massachusetts, to allow mask-optional Saturday nights, which triggered online backlash, according to The Hill and TheBlaze.
Why did the mask policy change cause controversy?
The bar had built its reputation around strict COVID-era masking to accommodate immunocompromised patrons, so easing the rule drew criticism from some who felt it endangered disabled people, according to TheBlaze.
Were there threats made against the bar?
According to Fox News, comedian Bill Maher said the bar faced firebomb threats after lifting the mask mandate one night a week; no other outlet corroborated this claim.
How did left-, center- and right-leaning outlets differ in their coverage?
No left-leaning coverage was supplied. Center outlets framed the story around the broader decline of lesbian bars in the U.S., while right-leaning outlets emphasized backlash against the bar and criticized what they described as an intolerant reaction.
What happened to the bar's online reviews?
Google Reviews for Last Ditch were shut down amid the controversy, according to Newsweek.
Sources · 7 outlet reports
- NewsNationCenterLesbian bar mask rule backlash reignites debate over industry’s decline
- NewsweekCenterLesbian Bar at Center of Mask Dispute Has Google Reviews Shut Down
- The HillCenterLesbian bars are dwindling across the US. How online outrage over mask policy dispute thrust one into the spotlight
- Fox NewsRight-leaningMaher blasts ‘intolerant left’ after Massachusetts lesbian bar faces fury for tweaking COVID-era mask policy
- The Daily WireRight-leaningThis Lesbian Bar In Massachusetts Ended Their Mask Mandate. All Hell Broke Loose.
- TheBlazeRight-leaning'You kill disabled people': Lesbian bar faces revolt over mask-optional event in 2026
- TownhallRight-leaningLesbian Massachusetts Bar That Got Wrecked for Relaxing Its Mask Mandates Continues to Be a Circus