The company has denied it discriminated against employees who raised allegations of sexual assault.
“I stand by what I said in this article,” Hemsworth said. “My choice to remain anonymous until now has been to place the onus on the culture that allowed this to happen – not on me as a victim.
“I can sleep well at night knowing I’ve done all I can to make this industry a little bit safer than it was when I entered it. Can you [Swillhouse]? I hope you learn. And I hope you grow. And I hope to god this signals the beginning of the end of this cycle of abuse.”
Allegations of sexual harassment and assault within Swillhouse venues have had far-reaching impacts in the industry. Swillhouse and its six venues have been removed from the list of finalists vying for an Australian Bartender Bar Award. The prestigious industry awards night, now in its 23rd year, is scheduled for September 11, during Sydney Bar Week.
In a statement on Thursday night, Australian Bartender co-owners David and Amy Spanton said they consulted Swillhouse before making the call.
“We reserve the right to remove finalists from the list if they threaten to jeopardise the integrity of the awards, which are now in their 23rd year,” they said. “Both parties have agreed to the removal.”
Swillhouse bar Le Foote, at The Rocks, won New Bar of the Year in 2023.
The lesser known, bartender-led Idiot Savant awards, also held during Sydney Bar Week, announced it would change award categories such as “hottest bar team” and “best toilets” following public criticism.
“We aim to bring together the industry in a light-hearted and relaxed way, providing an opportunity to shine a light on long-standing contributors, great bars, venues and the fun side of our industry,” a spokesperson said in a statement posted to social media Thursday night.
Swillhouse has also cancelled its first festival after partners, musicians and sponsors pulled out following accusations the major hospitality group failed to support staff who reported multiple alleged sexual assaults.
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