FT investigation: Men only fundraiser and sexual harrassment

[RedToothBrush]

amp.ft.com/content/075d679e-0033-11e8-9650-9c0ad2d7c5b5?__twitter_impression=true
Sexual misconduct allegations
Men Only: Inside the charity fundraiser where hostesses are put on show
FT investigation finds groping and sexual harassment at secretive black-tie dinner

It is for men only. A black tie evening, Thursday’s event was attended by 360 figures from British business, politics and finance and the entertainment included 130 specially hired hostesses.

All of the women were told to wear skimpy black outfits with matching underwear and high heels. At an after-party many hostesses — some of them students earning extra cash — were groped, sexually harassed and propositioned.

The event has been a mainstay of London’s social calendar for 33 years, yet the activities have remained largely unreported — unusual, perhaps, for a fundraiser of its scale.

Hats off to the FT for sending two undercover reporters

[RedToothBrush]

SHOULDN'T*

[GreenSeededGrape]

They had to actually say 'no groping'

So much wrong with that

[nauticant]

That's what was said to be on a document described as the "programme". Let's hope the FT get a copy or that the organisers can be persuaded to provide a copy.

[badabing36]

Sorry raisins I was just trying to find a bit of grim humour in it all.

I’m just not sure that this one day will ever come. These are the same men who tell us that the culture in the city is changing. It’s bullshit.

[Queeniebed]

I was disgusted at the sponsors response. We didn't see anything, we are no longer going to support it due to the allegations, what a shame as its a wonderful charity.

[Bluelady]

Apparently the women were made to sign a lengthy document in advance which they weren't allowed to read, nor were they given a copy. We seem to be going backwards, 40 years ago there was a strict and rigidly enforced no touching rule in the Playboy Club.

[irretating]

GOSH get tens of millions in donations every year. I reckon they could give the money back.

[Bluelady]

Then what happens to it? At least, however appallingly raised, it's doing some good.

[Ereshkigal]

Apparently the women were made to sign a lengthy document in advance which they weren't allowed to read, nor were they given a copy.

That's duress, surely? Not legal.

[Ereshkigal]

It should go to a sexual violence charity.

[AngelsSins]

I'm so sick of this shit. Yet again, it's the women's actions under the microscope: "what did they expect?" "They knew what they were getting into" etc. Who fucking cares? It doesn't matter if they were all highly paid, consenting prostitutes, that DOES NOT excuse the actions of these repulsive, entitled, creepy men. Why is it ok for them to behave like this? And not one of them, in 30 years has done anything to fix it, but #notallmen right?

[Thehairthebod]

GOSH are giving the money back and will no longer accept donations from the Presidents Club Charitable Trust.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/BUSINESS-42801178

[Bluelady]

Firstly they're not prostitutes. Secondly I haven't seen anyone blaming them, not one. All the coverage in the media and on Twitter has been solidly condemning the men with the odd guy whining about all women events being just as bad.

[Bluelady]

Just heard GOSH is returning money.

[AngryAttackKittens]

I would assume that having signed under duress invalidates the NDA. IANAL though.

[AngryAttackKittens]

I would assume that having signed under duress invalidates the NDA. IANAL though.

[AngryAttackKittens]

I would assume that having signed under duress invalidates the NDA. IANAL though.

[AngryAttackKittens]

Sorry for multiple posts...stupid phone.

[RedToothBrush]

Its also invalid if a crime has been committed.

[DeleteOrDecay]

Secondly I haven't seen anyone blaming them, not one. All the coverage in the media and on Twitter has been solidly condemning the men with the odd guy whining about all women events being just as bad.

I have seen maybe one of two people claim the women 'knew what they were getting into' and 'why didn't they just leave' but those comments are definitely in the minority; at the moment anyway.

[PocketCoffeeEspresso]

I would assume that having signed under duress invalidates the NDA. IANAL though

Plus not given a copy - that's dodgy as hell.

[BluePheasant]

Being discussed on Jeremy Vine atm. As predicted for his programme, it’s depressing listening. Tina Knight was on ( some well known business woman) arguing that you’d have to be an “airhead” to not realise what you were getting into. And that the things described (groping) were not a crime.

[DeleteOrDecay]

How insulting to call the women who were working at the event airheads.

Why do so many people have such contempt for women? Why do people never hold men accountable?

[badabing36]

It’s fine to sexually assault an ‘airhead’ apparently.