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Stephen Fry is accused of making racist and sexist jokes at a prestigious dinner at Lord’s cricket ground
- It is also alleged that Stephen Fry made a joke about Islamic terrorism.
- An official complaint has been filed with Guy Lavender, CEO of MCC
Stephen Fry has been accused of making racist and sexist jokes at a prestigious dinner at Lord’s cricket ground.
Fry, president of the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club), is alleged to have insinuated that the female members of the club were absent because they were “fucking”.
The TV presenter and author is also alleged to have made a joke about Islamic terrorism. An official complaint has been filed with Guy Lavender, CEO of MCC. Fry, 65, was addressing a room of 60 members at the £90-a-head dinner last Wednesday.
According to the complaint, Fry said: ‘I had intended to say “Good evening ladies and gentlemen” but there is no lady present. I guess they’re fucking.
There were four waitresses present, it is claimed. He then allegedly made a comment about the Allahakbarries, an amateur cricket team founded by Peter Pan author JM Barrie.
According to the complaint, Stephen Fry said: “I had intended to say ‘Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,’ but there is no lady present. I assume they are fucking.”
The complaint states: ‘He commented that the term ‘Allahu Akbar, when used today, was usually followed by a loud bang.’
Chris Waterman, 75, an MCC member for 25 years, filed his complaint the next day. He told The Mail on Sunday last night: ‘The MCC is masculine, pale, brittle and stale. I’ve been trying to reform it for eight years.
His complaint reads: ‘After the meal, the president called all the serving staff into the room to thank them.
“I interrupted him and asked if he would apologize for his earlier comments about women, and he said, ‘No, I meant the female members’ and kept talking.”
Waterman says in his complaint about Allahu Akbar’s comment: “I’m not sure if there were Muslims in the room, but even if there weren’t, this is not an acceptable ‘joke’ in 2023.”
Mr. Lavender acknowledged yesterday that the complaint had been received.
Since becoming chairman last year, Fry has tried to modernize the MCC, which owns Lord’s and has global influence on the game of cricket. He has been accused by some members of being too awake in his approach.
Both the MCC and Fry were contacted for comment last night.
Fry, president of the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club), was present at a prestigious dinner at the cricket ground of Lord