The Labor Day Weekend was unfortunately not a festive one for a former Top Chef contestant.  Josie Smith-Malave, the 4th person eliminated last season, claims that she and several of her friends were victims of an anti-gay assault after a birthday celebration earlier this month.

The gals had been partying at Partners Bar in Sea Cliff, NY but were asked to leave when two of the ladies starting ‘dancing together’.  (Seriously…‘Partners’ isn’t the name of a gay bar?)  As they headed out, a large group followed them outside.  From there, the suspects reportedly spat, hurled homophobic insults, threw garbage and started beating on the women.  Josie, who is openly gay, says her straight sister was one of the victims.  Although the ladies were bruised up, no serious injuries were reported.

Police were called to the scene and are still investigating the incident.  Although a few of the accused assailants were still present when officers arrived, no arrests have yet been made.

The current season of Top Chef can still be seen on Wednesdays @ 10pm on Bravo.

UPDATE:  Police have since arrested one person related to this incident.  Matthew Walli, 20, has been charged with ‘second-degree robbery as a bias crime’ (he had stolen Smith-Malave’s camera).  More arrests may still come.