General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsBritish female reporter goes undercover, snooty/skanky men's charitable org disbands in SHAME.
#Metoo
Two young women went undercover, accepting jobs as "hostesses" at an annual charity dinner attended by men from the most powerful ranks in society (many of whom are named in the article). At the dinner, the women had to give up their cell phones, were expected to drink alcohol, and their bathroom time was limited. The reporter's account of her evening shocked Britain and caused the decades old charity to disband.
https://www.ft.com/content/075d679e-0033-11e8-9650-9c0ad2d7c5b5
The Financial Times last week sent two people undercover to work as hostesses on the night. Reporters also gained access to the dining hall and surrounding bars.
SNIP
Hostesses reported men repeatedly putting hands up their skirts; one said an attendee had exposed his penis to her during the evening.
SNIP
Another woman, 28, with experience of hostess work, observing the braying men around her said this was significantly different to previous black tie jobs. At other events, men occasionally would try to flirt with her, she said, but she had never felt uncomfortable or, indeed, frightened.
She reported being repeatedly fondled on her bottom, hips, stomach and legs. One guest lunged at her to kiss her. Another invited her upstairs to his room.
Meanwhile, Artista had an enforcement team, made up of suited women and men, who would tour the ballroom, prodding less active hostesses to interact with dinner guests.
Outside the womens toilets a monitoring system was in place: women who spent too long were called out and led back to the ballroom. A security guard at the door was on hand, keeping time.
SNIP
http://www.grandforksherald.com/news/world/4393150-how-undercover-female-reporter-just-brought-down-posh-men-only-london-charity
The attendees last week, as in the past, hailed from Britain's business, finance, fashion, entertainment and political establishment - an "esteemed" group, according to the club's website, and highly exclusive. Among the excluded: women as either guests or patrons.
But 130 "hostesses" were hired to cater to the needs of the roughly 360 male guests. The women were encouraged to drink with the guests, both at the main event and at more discreet - and reportedly creepy - "afterparties."
One thing was different this year. Among the hostesses were two infiltrators, a female journalist from the Financial Times named Madison Marriage and a woman working with her who secured hostess jobs and went undercover to report on the event.
Eliot Rosewater
(31,150 posts)Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)I don't know if that's true, but generally women are good with details and are more ethical and moral. Generally. Not always.
WhiskeyGrinder
(22,522 posts)No wonder tRump's so anxious to go to Britain.
DURHAM D
(32,618 posts)TexasBushwhacker
(20,256 posts)Steinem got hired as a Playboy bunny to do an undercover expose. Among the things she revealed was that all Bunnies had to be tested for STDs and have a pelvic exam by the company doctor.
pnwmom
(109,025 posts)Among the things she revealed was that they wanted the women to drink and to allow themselves to be groped (and more, up in private bedrooms) by the attendees.
Sure sounds similar to me.
malaise
(269,328 posts)That is all
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)L. Coyote
(51,129 posts)Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)jalan48
(13,916 posts)rpannier
(24,350 posts)I read it (made a few comments below your post). The responses from individuals involved are... to say the least... weird
The emcee... Johnson's office... UK Undersecretary Zahawi and the hotel
http://edition.cnn.com/2018/01/24/europe/presidents-club-disbands-after-sexual-harassment-report-intl/index.html
rpannier
(24,350 posts)I have a few questions (not with the reporting)
1. The emcee for the evening (who stayed until 11:30 by his admission), David Williams, saw nothing going on.
So, it all started after he left. I'm a little suspicious
2. One of the prizes was lunch with a prominent member of Parliament who is on the front bench -- Boris Johnson. Johnson's office denied that they had agreed to him having lunch as a prize.
So, I am supposed to accept that a prominent fundraising organization that is attended by many of the UK's movers, shakers and well-to-do is in the habit of raffling off prizes without a commitment from the person or persons that are the prize? I am very skeptical of this.
I would be more inclined to accept it a false prize if it were the '1st Annual Fly-by-Night Grifter Club' giving it or il douche trump.
3. UK Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families, Nadhim Zahawi, who attended the event said he would never attend again. "I do unequivocally condemn this behavior. The report is truly shocking," he wrote on his twit account.
WTF kind of answer is that. He WAS there by his own admission. Why didn't he leave? Why didn't he report it? Is the man unable to see? Was he passed out drunk on the floor? This is the most mind-boggling explanation of them all.
4. Annnnnnnnnnnd... the Dorchester Hotel where the event took place (and has for 30+ years) is deeply concerned and knows nothing... I repeat NOTHING... of the events that have been going on in their hotel for many, many, MANY years
I don't believe it
cwydro
(51,308 posts)The reporter says theyve got plenty more.
The story is huge in England.