At the heart of a mystery is Madonna’s preferred nightclub in London, Aura, which has been called into question over a supposed payment of $65,000 for the star’s visit to the exclusive venue.
Insiders from the nightclub scene have revealed that some members of the singer’s entourage received substantial cash sums in exchange for her presence.
It is thought that Madonna herself is unaware of these financial dealings, and a friend expressed that the singer would be ‘not happy’ if her entourage profits from her appearances by collecting ‘appearance’ fees.
Reports indicate that her team members have received payment during Madonna’s visits to the renowned Central London nightclub, located at the top of St James’s Street in Mayfair.
Madonna has a fondness for the venue. Last year, the 52-year-old elevated the club’s profile by attending on three occasions, and she was seen there once more earlier this month with her new boyfriend, Brahim Zaibas, enjoying VIP treatment at her favorite table.
Each of her visits attracted significant media attention across national newspapers and gossip columns, with Aura being prominently featured in nearly all reports.
Her initial visit to the club took place in May of the previous year, where she was attended to by the nightclub’s director, Joseph Ryan.
A source indicated that one entourage member received approximately $25,000 for bringing Madonna to the club. Madonna was seen back at the venue on July 23 and October 21, with her most recent appearance captured on January 6.
According to a close source, it was understood that payment of £10,000 was agreed upon for bringing Madonna along.
‘On her first visit, Madonna arrived alone, seated at a VIP table and was treated to a complimentary bottle of Belvedere vodka.
Her head dancer, Shay Normann, arranged for a dance troupe to come 
down to provide entertainment. Madonna enjoys watching dancers, and Mr. Normann brought around 15 performers she favors to the club.
Mr. Normann has confirmed that members of Madonna’s team received payments from Aura but insisted they were intended for the dancers who entertained her that night.
‘The club compensated the dancers. I arranged their performance for Madonna at Aura,’ he stated. ‘She loves our dancing, and we perform for her enjoyment.’ He added that there are about 25 performers, each paid £150, with the club covering those costs.
Last night, a senior staff member from Aura, who preferred to remain unnamed, was eager to clarify that no ‘appearance fee’ had been paid and emphasized that any funds distributed were for the dancers’ travel and accommodation expenses.
The club’s director, Joseph Ryan, declined to provide a comment.
A representative for Madonna expressed, ‘I’m confident Madonna is unaware of these cash transactions occurring.’
This is reportedly not the first occurrence of cash payments being received by Madonna’s entourage for escorting the singer to nightclubs.
In April of the previous year, Madonna visited the West End nightclub, Runway, near Tottenham Court Road with her then-boyfriend, Jesus Luz.
Once again, an envelope containing a £10,000 cash payment was given to a team member, with some of the money allegedly taken from the bar’s register.
In the nightclub realm, it is not uncommon for celebrities to be compensated financially for their attendance at venues.
For instance, singer Puff Daddy is reported to have collected £30,000 in one night for showing up at three different London clubs: Runway, Amika, and Jet Black.
by Wallace McTavish
