A Look at the Emperor's Club

The New York Times reported that New York Governor Eliot Spitzer had personal ties to "a prostitution ring," and people were quick to assume it had something to do the with the sex pit with the regal moniker, Emperor's Club VIP. Spitzer, who may resign because of the scandal, is allegedly "Client 9" in court papers related to the investigation, and may have used the service as recently as February 13.

The website for Emperors Club VIP has been offline since the ring was busted, but an archived version of the site from mid-2007 showed a semi-classy main page said this:

From Emperor's Club Website, 3/10/08
"Emperors' Club vip is the most preferred international social introduction service for those accustomed to excellence. Introducing the most impressive models to leading gentleman of the world is our expertise. We specialize in introductions of: fashion models, pageant winners and exquisite students, graduates and women of successful careers (finance, art, media etc...) to gentlemen of exceptional standards. When seeking an evening date, a weekend travel companion, or a friend to accompany you during your next business / social function our models are perfect preference. We act for a select group of educated, refined and successful international clients who give their best in all they do and who, in return, only wish to receive the best. Catering to clients who will not compromise in any area of their life Our meticulous standards of beauty, intelligence and charm ensure that you always encounter the quality you've come to expect in a woman, when with an Emperors' Club vip model. Each of our companions is a product of an exceptionally fine background and a success in her right. All rendezvous are individually crafted to suit the needs of your specific occasion. Note that each model has place in her schedule for a select number of appointments per month, so your date will be a special one for both of you."

A look at the site as captured by the Internet Archive in 2004 was much more revealing.

There was a disclaimer on the front page: "EMPEROR'S CLUB VIP does not endorse, promote or solicit ANY TYPE of illegal, obscene or unlawful behaviors or activities from our creditable providers! Any acts of those committed by one of your listed escort companions is solely based on her decision and the decision of our client." Emperors Club "providers" only accepted money for "Providers time, total relaxation massage, entertainment purposes, modeling or private dancing." Providers never accepted money "for services which may be considered indecent."

The website ranked the prostitutes on a scale of one to seven "diamonds." A three-diamond woman, for example, could command a fee of $1,000 per hour. A seven-diamond woman cost more than $3,000 an hour. For its most valued clients, the Emperors Club offered membership in the elite "Icon Club," with hourly fees starting at $5,500, according to the federal complaint.

The Club staff consisted mostly of "university students, runway models, actresses and exotic dancers," who were primed to "make your dreams come true." The Club motto was surely appealing to anyone with executive ambitions: "Every client is an Emperor."

(Source: radaronline)