In May of 2018, Aaron Schlossberg, a New York-based lawyer, became infamous almost overnight. A video of him engaging in a verbal altercation at a Manhattan restaurant went viral, sparking a nationwide conversation about cancel culture, public shaming, and the power of viral videos in shaping reputations. That moment turned Schlossberg’s life upside down, leaving him struggling to rebuild his professional and personal image. Seven years later, he still faces the fallout from that infamous incident.
To understand the complexities of his situation, Red Banyan, a leading reputation management firm, recently conducted an exclusive interview with Schlossberg. The conversation sheds light on his journey from public shaming to a determined effort to regain control over his narrative.
In full disclosure, Red Banyan has not been paid in any way to conduct this interview and tell Mr. Schlossberg’s side of the story.
Red Banyan: Thank you for agreeing to speak with us. It’s been seven years since the incident that changed your life. What actually happened that day?
Aaron Schlossberg: Well, let me start by saying, I appreciate the opportunity to speak to you about what was one of the lowest moments of my life. I was definitely misrepresented in so many ways. I’ve always loved New York and its diverse cultures and languages. I’ve also lived abroad and befriended many people from different countries. But at that time, I was in a very different place emotionally and spiritually.
I was very stressed owning and operating my own law practice. I was also struggling personally and turned to alcohol as a way to deal with my issues. On that particular day, I felt very overwhelmed. I walked into a restaurant and overheard people speaking in Spanish, and I just got frustrated. I asked to speak to a manager, after which I began to receive verbal backlash from some of the other patrons who were present. This was never an issue about race, it was about the use of language, and I felt out of place.
But I have to admit, the way I expressed myself was very inappropriate. The language I used, the way I reacted, was all wrong. That incident was a wake-up call for me, and it sparked a process of change that I’m still going through today.
Red Banyan: Do you think that the man on the video is a fair representation of who you are?
Aaron Schlossberg: No, not at all. The video captured a single moment that was a personal low for me, but that doesn’t represent who I am or what I stand for spiritually. I’ve always believed in unity, in respect for the country and its people, but that day, I just wasn’t myself. Over time, I’ve learned a lot about how to approach issues with more understanding and empathy. That video does not reflect the person I’ve become.
Red Banyan: After the incident, your reputation took a huge hit. How did you cope with the immediate fallout, and did you ever expect things to spiral the way they did?
Aaron Schlossberg: Honestly, I didn’t anticipate what would happen. I had no idea that a verbal exchange in a restaurant would lead to national headlines. The next morning, I was bombarded with phone calls, media inquiries, and accusations. It was overwhelming, especially since I was expressing an opinion, albeit in a rude and unprofessional way.
That was a turning point for me, though. My father became ill and then passed away shortly thereafter, and the combination of the loss and the public shaming really made me reevaluate my life. I realized I needed to change, not just for my career, but for my own peace of mind. I also saw that I needed a power greater than myself back in my life and I’ve been looking to God for guidance ever since.
Red Banyan: Since the incident, have you taken steps to rebuild your reputation? How do you approach it now, especially given the ongoing public reaction to that video?
Aaron Schlossberg: Yes, I’ve worked hard to rebuild my life. I’ve been sober for over five years now, and I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on my behavior and my spiritual well-being. I’ve also done emotional processing work, which has helped me understand my reactions and why I behaved the way I did. I’ve learned how to better express my opinions without being aggressive or offensive.
I’ve also realized that people’s perceptions are tough to change, especially when the narrative is shaped by a viral moment. That’s why I’m speaking out now, to give people a chance to hear directly from me, to see that I’m not the same person I was back then. It’s been a long road, and it’s not over yet, but I’m committed to doing the work.
Red Banyan: In 2025, where do you see yourself, both personally and professionally?
Aaron Schlossberg: I see myself continuing to grow. I’ve learned that life isn’t just about success in business or making money. It’s about finding peace within yourself and being able to contribute positively to the world around you. I’m still practicing law, and I’m trying to be a better person every day. I try every day to be kind and of service to others.
That video will always be part of my story, but I don’t want it to define me forever. I want people to understand that I’ve grown, that I’m not the same person I was in 2018. It’s a process, and I’m still navigating it, but I’m hopeful for the future.
Red Banyan: It’s clear that you’ve made significant strides since that day in 2018. What advice would you give to anyone in a similar situation, trying to rebuild their reputation after a public mistake?
Aaron Schlossberg: My advice would be to take responsibility for your actions and do the work. Don’t try to run from the truth or hide behind excuses. You have to confront what happened, understand why it happened, and take concrete steps to change. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. And don’t let a single mistake define you. People can change, and they can grow. If you’re committed to that process, it can make all the difference.
Schlossberg’s journey is an important reminder about how quickly reputations and livelihoods can be affected by viral content in today’s digital age. When a public relations disaster strikes, strategic guidance and professional support can make all the difference in helping individuals rebuild their careers and regain public trust.
Need help protecting or repairing your reputation?
Give us a call at (855) 277-6333 or email us at info@redbanyan[dot]com.