Elliot Wright has blasted ‘some of the worst online abuse I’ve experienced’ after claims emerged online that he owed Olivia’s La Cala staff thousands of euros in unpaid wages.
The claims first came about when the partner of an employee, Callum Adams, took to Facebook to claim Olivia’s owed him at least €3,000 for work carried out last summer.
The post attracted hundreds of comments criticising the Mijas restaurant and Wright – with others claiming they were also not fully paid.
The Spanish Eye contacted Olivia’s La Cala for comment but did not receive a response.
On Friday, Wright addressed his ‘disagreement’ with Adams, saying it was ‘not about wages’ but rather ‘equipment rental’.
He explained: ‘The disagreement was about equipment rental that I had agreed to arrange for someone who, at the time, didn’t have DJ decks to work with.
‘Olivia’s – like most restaurants – does not own DJ decks, microphones, or instruments. Artists bring their own equipment; we provide the sound system.
‘Again, this was not a wage issue, despite what was posted. The matter was between myself and Callum. End of. As adults, we met and resolved it.’
In his own post, Adams said the matter had been resolved and that he considered Wright a ‘close friend’, adding: ‘I love Olivia’s!’.
Wright said the past few weeks ‘have been some of the toughest I’ve experienced on social media.’
He said: ‘I’ve watched people comment – and in some cases outright abuse – both me and my restaurant, Olivia’s La Cala, over posts suggesting unpaid wages.
‘Considering much of my business and personal life has been visible through my TV career, I’m no stranger to criticism. It comes with the territory.
‘However, what was written by people who knew nothing about the actual situation – including one comment suggesting someone should smash my restaurant windows – was frankly disgusting. Forums like this are not a place to abuse individuals or businesses, or to incite violence.’
He added: ‘It has honestly been some of the worst online abuse I’ve experienced.
‘There will always be people who dislike Olivia’s. That’s life. But there are also many who support and appreciate what we do. My point is simple: please don’t rush to judge based on one side of a story. These community groups shouldn’t become platforms for slander.
‘If you don’t like a business, vote with your feet and don’t go. Every local business owner is working hard to support their family. We’re not big corporations – we’re small businesses navigating very real challenges behind the scenes.
‘So please – be kind. Be fair. Be respectful. And to those who do support Olivia’s – thank you.’
Seemingly addressing claims the restaurant is overpriced, he added: ‘We’re open for lunch tomorrow with a new menu offer: all sandwiches, wraps, soups and salads are €10 including a drink. No one can say that’s expensive!’
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