Hollywood, DC come together for First Amendment-themed VIP party – The Hill (blog)

It was a collision of Hollywood and the nations capital on the eve of the White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) dinner, with one of Los Angeles biggest talent agencies and a news outlet teaming up to host a VIP-filled soiree in Washington.

United Talent Agency and Mediaites Friday event at Fiola Mare restaurant in Washington a fave of former President Obama and Michelle ObamaMichelle ObamaHollywood, DC come together for First Amendment-themed VIP party Capitol File partygoers praise low-key start to correspondents dinner weekend USDA to ease school meal standards MORE was billed as a way to celebrate the First Amendment and excellence in journalism.

The packed bash which blasted tunes such as D.J. Khaleds All I Do is Win and the 2010 Cali Swag District hit Teach Me How to Dougie boasted an impressive crowd of Los Angeles and D.C. types.

Sen. Patrick LeahyPatrick LeahyHollywood, DC come together for First Amendment-themed VIP party The Hill's 12:30 Report Lawmakers talk climate for Earth Day, Science March MORE (D-Vt.) who has connections to Hollywood after making appearances in several Batman movies over the years perused an expansive raw bar before grabbing an oyster.

Veteran journalist Carl Bernstein, whos poised to present awards at the WHCA dinner on Saturday, was eyed doing a thorough investigation of the same raw bar before filling up his cocktail plate.

United Talent Agency made headlines earlier this year after canceling its annual Oscars party to protest President Trumps immigration ban. The agency instead announced it would hold a rally and make a donation to the American Civil Liberties Union and the International Rescue Committee.

Hosted by United Talent Agencys Jay Sures and Mediaites Dan Abrams, among the power-fueled crowd spotted at the festivities Friday: lobbyist Heather Podesta; MSNBCs Greta Van Susteren and husband, lawyer John Coale; SiriusXM Howard Stern Show executive producer Gary DellAbate and his wife, Mary (gushing about how beautiful Washington is); ABC News Rick Klein; Sen. Sheldon WhitehouseSheldon WhitehouseHollywood, DC come together for First Amendment-themed VIP party Overnight Energy: Trump set to sign offshore drilling order Trump's FDA nominee clears key Senate committee MORE (D-R.I.); Designated Survivor actor Kal Penn; model and Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi; CNNs Jake Tapper, Don Lemon, Gloria Borger, Nia-Malika Henderson and Mary Katharine Ham; Tammy Haddad; NBC News Ali Velshi Shark Tank star Kevin OLeary; GOP strategist Ron Bonjean and wife Sara; and CNN Washington Bureau Chief Sam Feist.

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Hollywood, DC come together for First Amendment-themed VIP party - The Hill (blog)