Venice Beach psychic shop draws criticism after flyers and an Instagram post advertised a spirit reading billed as a "20 minute chat" with Senator Mitch McConnell. The Original Venice Beach Psychic, at 1101 Ocean Front Walk, operates two boardwalk storefronts and a third on Lincoln Boulevard. Psychic Bianca Marino, who offers tarot, crystal and palm readings for parties starting at $200, said the family-run shop has operated on the boardwalk for about 35 years. The promotion comes amid ongoing public questions about McConnell's health following a June 14 hospitalization.
Venice Beach Psychic Draws Backlash After Flyer Promises '20-Minute Chat' With Hospitalized Mitch McConnell
A Venice Beach psychic shop is facing public criticism after posting flyers and social media posts advertising spirit readings that promise the opportunity to "chat" with U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell.
"Enjoy a 20 minute chat with Mitch McConnell," the flyer says Reddit
The Original Venice Beach Psychic, located at 1101 Ocean Front Walk, promoted the service on flyers placed around the boardwalk and in an Instagram post. The promotional material includes the line: "Enjoy a 20 minute chat with Mitch McConnell."
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY.) Getty Images
Reaction And Context
The promotion sparked swift online reaction, with many users calling the offer tasteless given McConnell's recent hospitalization after a fall on June 14. Others expressed discomfort even if they disagree with the senator's politics. One commenter wrote,
"As much as I disagree with practically everything he has done, I don't wish that upon him."
The former Senate Majority Leader will retire once his term ends on January 2027 Getty Images
About The Shop And Psychic
According to the business's Instagram account, the operation runs two storefronts on the Venice Beach boardwalk and a third location on Lincoln Boulevard. One of the psychics associated with the shop, Bianca Marino, describes herself as clairvoyant and lists specialties including "love, marriage, happiness, success." Marino advertises private readings as well as tarot, crystal and palm readings for parties, with event services starting at $200.
Marino has described the venture as a family-run shop that has been on the Venice boardwalk for about 35 years, and she says she has performed more than 250 parties in the past two years.
McConnell's Health And Public Attention
The renewed attention to the Venice Beach business comes as questions persist about McConnell's health and public visibility. The Kentucky Republican has not made many public appearances since his June 14 hospitalization; he did post a photo with his wife on July 12. McConnell, the former Senate majority leader, is expected to retire when his current term ends in January 2027.
The promotion raises ethical and sensitivity questions about contacting public figures via spirit readings when those individuals are recovering from medical events. The shop did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.
Help us improve.
