Billy Corgan announced on Instagram that a car crashed into his tea shop, Madame ZuZu’s, injuring his mother-in-law.
“This afternoon at Madame Zuzu’s, a car (in circumstances which remain under investigation) drove over the curb and into Madam Zuzu’s, crashing through the window and sadly injuring one person – my mother, Jenny; who was spending the day and lunching with my son Augustus,” Corgan’s wife, Chloe, wrote on Instagram.
She added, “Thankfully, he was able to leap out of the way and was not injured. Our family is grateful for the swift assistance of the Highland Park and Deerfield first responders. To this, Madame Zuzu’s will be closed until further notice, and we’ll provide updates as we move forward. Thank you for your support and understanding.”
The incident occurred on October 30 in Highland Park, Illinois, when a red Mini Cooper crashed through the front window of Madame ZuZu’s, injuring Corgan’s mother-in-law. Local news footage showed the car inside the shop amid broken glass.
Billy shared Chloe’s message on his social media. He opened Madame ZuZu’s in Chicago’s Ravinia neighborhood in 2012. After closing in 2018, he and Chloe reopened it in September 2020 at its current location, offering a selection of teas and a predominantly vegan food menu.
The cafe also serves as a performance space, hosting events like songwriter circles, jam sessions, and open mic nights. “I want it to be a social hub that’s interactive,” Corgan said in an interview with Rolling Stone when the shop opened. “You’re trying to draw in different people from different walks of life. We want a dynamic in there. We don’t want a passive space.”
This crash occurred just days before the Smashing Pumpkins begin their November tour in Latin America and shortly after Corgan announced a solo tour in Australia for December.
