Weslodge

Weslodge under fire after sexual harassment allegations

An article published in the Star over the weekend outlines systematic and unpunished sexual assault allegations at one of Toronto's busiest restaurants. Former pastry chef at Weslodge, Kate Burnham spoke with the paper about her nightmarish experience in the kitchen after filing an application with the Ontario Human Rights tribunal.

Reaction in the wake of the story was swift on Twitter, with disappointed customers calling for a boycott of the restaurant. On the other hand, the response from the Toronto chef community has remained somewhat muted, despite numerous reflections that indicate the problem stretches far wider than the kitchen of one restaurant.

The Black Hoof's Jen Agg spent a good chunk of her weekend trying to foster greater dialogue about the patriarchy that defines the city's kitchens. Along with a host of Twitter conversations about the story and the victim blaming that ensued, she's also in the midst of organizing a panel to get people talking about how women are treated in the culinary workplace.

At present, Weslodge and its parent company INK Entertainment have yet to address the allegations. The restaurant's Facebook page has been inundated with posts about the story, but so far it has remained silent.

Here's a sample of the discussion taking place on Twitter.

UPDATE: Weslodge has responded to the allegations by sharing this statement on their Facebook. (17/06/2015)


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