More details on the employment discrimination lawsuit that alleges an anti-gay culture around the McLaren Group, the huge auto racing company whose drivers include Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton. Ron Dennis–Hamilton’s McLaren team boss, seen above–is described as a racist and a homophobe.
Peter Boland, the former private jet steward to Ron Dennis, paints an unflattering portrait in testimony that began this week. The Telegraph:
Dennis was prone to "cultural insensitivity" of his own, as demonstrated during one trip to the Middle East.
"[A sheikh] came onboard and was offered a drink, he said he did not want a drink," Mr Boland told the hearing.
"Ron said he wanted to go to the bathroom to wash his hands because he had been shaking hands with Arabs all day."
The steward claims he was fired last year after five years' service because of "unfounded rumurs" that he was gay which he claims were spread by management. "So widespread was the belief, he said, that he was propositioned by two employees who refused to accept his denials" Boland also claims the company and private investigators tried to intimidate him against filing suit.
Boland's claims include unfair dismissal, discrimination or victimization on grounds of sexual orientation and breach of contract. Hamilton's team boss Ron Dennis is named, along with McLaren and the two companies that operated the private jet. The hearings are likely to last for "up to two weeks." Lewis Hamilton is expected to be called to the witness stand.
Dennis Sacked Steward Over Gay Rumors [Telegraph]
Dennis Private Jet Steward Warned [Telegraph]
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Now I really want Lewis Hamilton to testify. What did he know and when? Had he observed this man making comments like this? Is Lewis also a homophobe? I hope not but would not be surprised.
Posted by: Lee A | 07 January 2009 at 16:18