The “Presidents Club” behind a charity event is closing after an exposé revealed sexual harassment, groping and sexism at “men only” dinner.
Journalists from the Financial Times went undercover as hostesses at the a black-tie dinner that raised money for a London hospital, whose guest list last week included prominent figures in British business and media.
What they found at an auction and afterparty were repeated instances of harassment, unwanted touching and propositions from the well-heeled benefactors towards the young women given skimpy black dresses and told to wear matching underwear.
One hostess said that a man exposed himself to her.
The Financial Times piece provoked widespread condemnation in the United Kingdom on Wednesday, including a statement from Prime Minister Theresa May that she was “appalled by what has been reported. This shows there is a long way to go to ensure all women are treated properly as equals.”
Several groups that had provided items for the auction, such as a BMW and a meeting with Bank of England governor Mark Carney, canceled any connection to the event.
Other auction offerings to the men included a visit to a strip club and plastic surgery “to spice up your wife.”
The event at the Dorchester Hotel drew heavy criticism from British politicians.
(Mark Robert Milan/Getty Images)By the end of the day the trustees of the group had announced that they were disbanding the organization, which has run for 33 years and gained a reputation for sexual misconduct among those who saw inside.
It said that proceeds from the auction, reportedly more than 2 million pounds ($2.8 million) would be given to children’s charities.
The report also had fallout for those connected to the club, whose activities came to light as part of increasing societal awareness of how pervasive sexual harassment is.
David Meller, a co-chair of the group, stepped down from a position at Britain’s education ministry.
Conservative children and families minister Nadhim Zahawi was also at the event and said that he left early because he felt uncomfortable, though some have questioned the exact timing of his departure.
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