Pouty dine-and-dash diva interrupts judge MULTIPLE times as she’s hauled to court for bill-skipping spree

New York City’s ‘dine-and-dash diva’ brazenly interrupted the judge in court on Wednesday as she was ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation. 

Pei Chung, 35, has been locked up at the infamous Rikers Island after being arrested at least 10 times for skipping out on the bill at luxurious restaurants across the city.

The wannabe influencer appeared at Brooklyn’s Kings County Court. 

While she was expected to go before Judge Orville Reynolds earlier in the day, she had missed the bus that transports inmates from Rikers – for reasons unclear – and took a later trip to the court. 

Court officers surrounded a handcuffed Chung as she and her attorney stood before the judge. 

The Taiwan native wore a drab beige prison uniform with her long brown hair unstyled – a stark contrast from the glamorous looks, often featuring designer pieces, she once flaunted on social media. 

The brief hearing began with Chung’s attorney requesting that Reynolds bar the media from photographing the accused check-dodger.

‘She feels her rights are being violated by allowing the press to use this opportunity to monetize pictures of her in these proceedings in the media and in these publications,’ her lawyer said. 

But this argument did not hold up, as the judge sided with reporters on the matter, given the case’s public interest. 

Despite boasting snaps of her lavish lifestyle and bikini-clad physique online, she was shy in court – turning her head away from photographers as they took her picture. 

Reynolds then ordered that Chung undergo a ‘730 evaluation,’ which is a forensic psychological assessment conducted by a neutral mental health expert. 

While a general mental health evaluation focuses on a person’s diagnosis and treatment, a 730 is intended to provide the court with neutral insight into the defendant’s ability to proceed. 

Chung must undergo the evaluation by her next hearing, which was set for February 4, 2026. 

Reynolds asked the prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney Miss-Kye Gallon, to have an offer ready by that time. However, he acknowledged that any deal might depend on the results of the 730 assessment.

The judge also addressed the added complications to the case stemming from her convoluted immigration status. 

She was hit with an immigration warrant because she has allegedly been staying in the US on an expired student visa, according to The New York Post. 

Even though the hearing lasted just minutes, it was far from drama-free. 

Chung appeared to speak out of turn multiple times – with the judge having to put her in her place. 

It is unclear what the alleged serial meal thief was saying – as she was speaking low and avoiding the microphone – but Reynolds was quick to shut it down.  

‘Excuse me! When I speak, you don’t speak, you understand?’ Reynolds asked.

As she mumbled again, the judge said: ‘Speak to your lawyer.’ 

In her previous court appearance, Chung was represented by McCarthy Hawkins, who said at the time that she was ‘confused about what’s going on’ and that he was concerned for her well-being. 

Chung’s alleged food-filled scheme was busted in late November after police say she ran out on at least 11 hefty restaurant bills in the Brooklyn area over the course of more than a month. 

She would allegedly either walk out without paying or attempt to barter with staff by offering to post pictures of her meals on social media – all while dressed from head to toe in designer gear.

But unpaid checks are not the only tab Chung has allegedly run up. Records show she also owes more than $40,000 in back rent at the ritzy Kent Avenue apartment block where she has lived since 2021, having not paid her dues since August 2024.

In fact, during her Rikers stint, she was evicted from the high-end apartment. She was arrested on November 21 and court-ordered to vacate the property on December 1. 

Chung is facing multiple charges of theft of services and remains in custody.