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WPP pulls out of notorious Presidents Club dinner

WPP has pulled out of the now notorious Presidents Club Charity Dinner following an FT investigation.

The event, in London’s Dorchester hotel, is a long-standing black tie affair for men only but with 130 nubile hostesses dressed in black also in attendance. Some say they were groped among other instances of sexual harassment. WPP was a long-term sponsor.

WPP said in a statement: “WPP has traditionally sponsored a table at the Presidents Club dinner to support its fundraising for children’s charities. Neither the company nor our attendees were aware of the alleged incidents until informed of them by the Financial Times.

“WPP takes these reports very seriously and, while we will continue to support relevant charities, in light of the allegations we are ending our association with the event.”

WPP boss Sir Martin Sorrel wasn’t there – he’s in Davos presumably where there are avalanche warnings – so WPP Europe COO Andrew Scott was in charge of maintaining order. But clients have to be entertained, of course.

Here’s one of the FT’s intrepid undercover reporters.

Now where did I read about that diversity agenda in adland?

Here’s the FT’s Madison Marriage on her experience.

This is an updated version of an earlier story.

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