Undercover report exposes groping scandal at UK charity event

Leading UK businessmen today faced allegations of "groping" women at a high-profile charity fundraiser in London.
Reporters from 'The Financial Times' said they witnessed unacceptable behaviour towards women hostesses hired for the all-male charity dinner organised by the Presidents Club in Londons posh Dorchester Hotel last Thursday.
"Groping and similar abuse was seen across many of the tables in the room. Hostesses reported men repeatedly putting hands up their skirts; one said an attendee had exposed his penis to her during the evening," the newspaper said in its report.
The expose rocked the corridors of power, with UK education minister Anne Miltonaddressing the issue in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

"It is quite extraordinary to me that, in the 21st century, allegations of this kind are still emerging. Women have the right to feel safe wherever they work," she said.
She confirmed that David Meller, one of the guests at the event, had resigned from his non-executive role in the Department for Education.

Downing Street said British Prime Minister Theresa May, who is in Davos for the World Economic Forum, was "uncomfortable" at the reports about the dinner.
The new Conservative party minister for children and families, Nadhim Zahawi, is also facing questions for attending the dinner.
He wrote on Twitter: "I do unequivocally condemn this behaviour. The report is truly shocking. I will never attend a men-only function ever."

The Presidents Club said it would investigate "fully and promptly", while the Dorchester Hotel said it was "deeply concerned" and was also looking into the claims.
The only women at the event, attended by senior figures in business and finance from some of Britain's leading companies, were hired hostesses.
A spokesperson for the Artista agency, which recruited the hostesses, said: "I was not aware of any claims of sexual harassment but the kind of behaviour alleged is completely unacceptable.
"I am checking with the staff and any complaints will be dealt with promptly and fairly."
Madison Marriage, the reporter who worked undercover at the event, said she was groped "several times". She revealed that the 130 hostesses on duty were told to wear skimpy black outfits with matching underwear and high heels and were also asked to sign a five-page non-disclosure agreement about the event upon arrival to the hotel.

Maria Miller, the chair of the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee, said: "I think that at a time when Hollywood and Westminster are getting their act in order, tackling sexual harassment to see so many members of the top establishment British business involved in an event like this... I think it really does give cause for concern and really has to bring into question as to whether or not the laws are strong enough in this area."
The annual dinner has a 30-year-long history and has helped raised 20 million pounds for children's charities in the UK. Many of the charities have also expressed concerns following the reports, with some considering returning the donations.