An investigation into a Mayfair gala event by the Financial Times newspaper has led to accusations of groping and harassment of event hostesses.
The newspaper’s undercover reporters at The President’s Club annual event at London’s Dorchester Hotel last week reported female staff being subjected to groping and lewd comments from diners.
One of the FT reporters appeared on BBC’s Newsnight programme and detailed allegations of groping and lewd behaviour.
The President’s Club has said it is investigating the newspaper claims and the agency that recruited the hostesses is quoted as saying it was not aware of any reports of sexual harassment and the hotel said it had a zero-tolerance attitude to behaviour of that kind.
The event was hosted by comedian David Walliams. There is no suggestion he was involved in wrongdoing.
The Black Tie gala event is organised to raise money for causes such as Great Ormond Street Hospital and auction items included lunch with Boris Johnson and afternoon tea with Bank of England governor Mark Carney.
Responding to the allegations, the Presidents Club said: “The Presidents Club recently hosted its annual dinner, raising several million pounds for disadvantaged children.
“The organisers are appalled by the allegations of bad behaviour at the event asserted by the Financial Times reporters. Such behaviour is totally unacceptable.
“The allegations will be investigated fully and promptly and appropriate action taken.”
Advertising company WPP, which reportedly had a table at this year’s event has announced it will not be supporting the fundraiser in future.
A spokesperson from the Dorchester Hotel told CN: “We are deeply concerned regarding the allegations levelled at the organisers of a private event held at the hotel. We were not aware of any claims during or immediately following the charitable event. We have zero tolerance of any form of harassment to our guests, employees and suppliers. We are in discussions with the organisers and an investigation is underway.”
Meanwhile, David Meller, co-chair of the Presidents Club dinner, has resigned from the Department for Education’s board.
Anne Milton, the skills and apprenticeships minister with responsibility for the department’s board, announced in Parliament, 24 January, that Meller had stood down from both his non-executive director role at the DfE and the Apprenticeship Delivery Board.
