On February 5th, West Hollywood's famed Abbey transformed into a scene straight out of a '00s fever dream for the book launch of Hollywood Virgin, the mid-life tell-all by Jason Felts, founder of Virgin Entertainment.
This wasn’t your typical literary soirée—unless, of course, your idea of typical includes Absolut cocktails, VIP tequila tables, and a G.H. Mumm champagne toast served to a crowd of Hollywood A-listers in plush, themed bathrobes. (Yes, bathrobes. And yes, they were fabulous.)
The event was hosted by Los Angeles Magazine, which also revealed its February cover featuring Felts alongside Richard Branson and a kaleidoscope of early-2000s icons. Proceeds from the event benefitted the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, with additional book sale profits supporting The Trevor Project. Celebs mingled with firefighters like it was the most natural pairing since tequila and lime.
Tea Was Spilled, Beats Were Dropped
Jason Felts took the stage to share anecdotes from Hollywood Virgin, a memoir that promises to unravel tales from his career navigating the glitz and grit of the entertainment biz. Think: celebrity tea with a side of heartfelt self-discovery. Spoiler alert: this book might just become your new bedside obsession when it drops on February 11th.
After a few heartfelt speeches from Felts, LA Magazine publisher Chris Gialanella, and LAFD Foundation’s Tara Gurlides, the vibes shifted as Too $hort hit the stage. Performing fan-favorite tracks like Bossy and Blow the Whistle, the rapper turned the party into a full-blown West Hollywood rager—bathrobes and all.
Stars, Firefighters, and Bathrobe Chic
The guest list read like a ‘00s tabloid dream come true: Ashlee Simpson Ross and Evan Ross brought nostalgic vibes, while Lisa Vanderpump and Ken Todd proved they still own the WeHo scene. Lance Bass and Michael Turchin showed up in style, mingling with Brian Austin Green, Jodie Turner-Smith, and that guy from your favorite teen drama, Justin Berfield.
Other notables included Joel Michaely (of cult cinema fame), reality TV darling Paola Paulin, stylist-to-the-stars Natalie Saidi, and even a cameo from Too $hort's biggest fan: Stocktip Dave (don’t ask, just Google).
Meanwhile, the first responders from LAFD mingled with LA’s elite, exchanging stories over signature Codigo 1530 tequila cocktails and light bites. Somehow, even in the presence of champagne-fueled celebrities, these heroes stole the spotlight—just like they do in real life.
What’s Hollywood Virgin All About Anyway?
More than a celebrity gossip fest (although there’s plenty of that), Felts’ memoir explores the hustle, heartbreak, and hilarity that comes with chasing dreams in Los Angeles. Packed with Aughties-era nostalgia, it’s a love letter to the city, complete with all the risk-taking and soul-searching you’d expect from a guy who built an empire with Virgin Entertainment.
Felts’ journey is raw, inspiring, and filled with enough juicy tales to keep your book club chatting for weeks. And if last night’s party was any indication, this book will fly off the shelves faster than the VIP tables emptied out of tequila.
Can’t Wait? Neither Can We
Hollywood Virgin officially hits shelves on February 11, 2025. Pre-order it now on Amazon (your bathrobe isn’t going to read itself). And if you missed last night’s bathrobe bash at The Abbey—well, there’s always next time. In LA, the party never really stops.
Follow Jason Felts on Instagram (@iamjasonfelts) and tag #HollywoodVirgin to share your own LA stories—bathrobe optional.