In March, a viral video surfaced showing the owner of San Diego’s famous Lamborghini yacht in a heated exchange with a dock worker in downtown San Diego. The yacht attempted to dock at Seaforth Boat Rental to pick someone up when 21-year-old employee Joseph Holt informed the captain that docking was not permitted. The interaction quickly escalated, with the yacht owner reportedly berating Holt, verbally threatening him, and allegedly throwing money into the water while making derogatory remarks about Holt's social status.
"I'll kill you! I will kill you! You know I'll kill you! I will kill you! I will kill you!" the man is heard shouting on the video, while Holt’s response is inaudible. The man continues, "Yeah, I doubt it! Ace Rogers, call me! Time and place!"
In a second video, the man on the yacht appears to pull down his pants and make lewd gestures toward people on the dock. The incident reportedly took place on Sunday, March 10, in the late afternoon.
The owner of the rare $4.5 million Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63' yacht is reportedly local resident Ajay Thakore, also known as Ace Rogers or AJ "Ace" Thakore. The bright blue yacht is the only Lamborghini boat on the U.S. West Coast and one of just two in the country. Thakore also made headlines earlier this year after former UFC champion Chuck Liddell fell off his yacht in San Diego Bay.
Following the March incident, San Diego Harbor Police conducted an investigation, leading the City Attorney's Office to charge Thakore with indecent exposure, a misdemeanor. He was arraigned on Monday, although he did not appear in court. The judge ordered Thakore not to contact Holt or two other alleged victims. Thakore remains free on bail and is scheduled to return to court on November 18 for a misdemeanor readiness hearing.
Thakore first gained public attention in San Diego in late 2021 when he was accused of harassing a La Jolla pizza restaurant. In November 2021, American Pizza Manufacturing in La Jolla reported facing unusual forms of harassment, starting with negative online reviews and escalating to incidents involving a Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 SUV and a limited-edition Ford Raptor Shelby Baja, both displaying decals reading "Take N Bake Pizza Sucks." These vehicles were purportedly repeatedly parked in front of the pizzeria.
The harassment extended to a plane flying overhead, towing banners that read "Just Say No To Take N Bake Pizza" and "Carino’s Pizza Is Better Than Take N Bake." Carino’s Pizza, which was next door to American Pizza MFG, closed permanently after being in business since 1972.
The owner of American Pizza Manufacturing, Andrew Melone, publicly accused Thakore of orchestrating the harassment. In response, Thakore filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California on November 10, 2021. The lawsuit claimed their actions were part of a First Amendment-protected boycott against American Pizza Manufacturing, citing racist treatment by the restaurant's owner.
According to the lawsuit, Thakore urged a boycott of American Pizza Manufacturing due to its "discriminatory and racist treatment" of people of Arab, Indian, or Asian descent, as well as members of the LGBTQIA community. Thakore sought $10 million in damages. American Pizza Manufacturing filed a countersuit in early 2022, accusing Thakore of engaging in a "relentless campaign of harassment" against the business.
Thakore has been involved in several other legal disputes. Among them is a complaint against the parent company of Nautilus Tavern in La Jolla's Bird Rock community. In the lawsuit, Thakore alleged the restaurant discriminated against people of Arab or Asian descent, including himself. He further claimed Nautilus Tavern harassed and threatened individuals who expressed opinions about the business. Nautilus Tavern filed a cross-complaint accusing Thakore of stalking, emotional distress, and even urinating on the tavern’s floor. There is also a complaint for harassment filed against Thakore by an employee of Nautilus Tavern.
Thakore's legal troubles don't end there. On June 7, 2024, a woman claiming to be his longtime girlfriend and the mother of his child filed for a domestic violence restraining order against him. Although the supporting documents contain several deeply concerning allegations, the case (#24FDV02554C) is now listed as dismissed and it appears the couple has since reconciled.
Thakore's legal troubles don't end there. On June 7, 2024, a woman claiming to be his longtime girlfriend and the mother of his child filed for a domestic violence restraining order against him. Although the supporting documents contain several deeply concerning allegations, the case (#24FDV02554C) is now listed as dismissed and it appears the couple has since reconciled.
In addition to his involvement with Doctor Multimedia and Local Clicks Digital Marketing, Thakore reportedly has ownership interests in Aspen's Dog House, Three Legs Coffee Roasters, and The Flower Pot Bakery & Cafe, all in La Jolla.
The Lamborghini yacht, named "Aspen & Delilah" after Thakore's daughter and three-legged dog, is currently docked in San Diego Bay. A crew of 20-30 people is reportedly tasked with maintaining the luxury vessel.
The Lamborghini yacht, named "Aspen & Delilah" after Thakore's daughter and three-legged dog, is currently docked in San Diego Bay. A crew of 20-30 people is reportedly tasked with maintaining the luxury vessel.
Originally published on October 7, 2024.
