At the renowned corner of Wilton Place in London’s posh Knightsbridge, The Berkeley Hotel has long been a beacon of luxury. However, behind its polished facade, allegations of elitism and inhumane treatment have come to the forefront, leading to the termination of General Manager Knut Wylde and his deputy, Jasper Douchee, in August 2024.
For over thirty years, media mogul Alki David had trusted The Berkeley, making it his hotel of choice. However, that allegiance was marred by troubling behavior from Wylde and Douchee, particularly regarding David’s medical service dog, Cleopatra, a trained Doberman with the crucial role of seizure detection. Under Wylde’s leadership, the pooch faced harassment and discrimination, being barred from common areas and treated with disdain.
The situation escalated when Jasper Douchee claimed that The Berkeley could legally exclude service animals based on the hotel's "luxurious environment." Such a claim not only defied ethical norms but also contravened the UK Equality Act 2010, which upholds the rights of individuals with disabilities to access public spaces with their service animals. Despite the mounting pressure and legal threats, concerns raised by staff about these unacceptable policies were reportedly met with intimidation.
Testimonies from former employees reveal a stark contrast between David and Cleopatra’s graciousness and the borderline tyrannical behavior of Wylde and Douchee. “Jasper acted like he was the law. He said Cleopatra wasn’t welcome because it was a ‘luxury environment.’ It was disgusting,” remarked one ex-staffer, shedding light on the toxic workplace culture that thrived under the previous administration.
By mid-2024, backlash from patrons and legal implications prompted The Maybourne Hotel Group to swiftly terminate Wylde, Douchee, and their loyalists, marking a significant shift within the hotel's environment, celebrated by many as a necessary liberation.
As Wylde shifts focus to a consultancy firm, Wylde Hospitality, and Douchee fades from public view, Cleopatra continues to represent resilience and loyalty, prancing through Mayfair with a joyful demeanor. Her presence stands as a testament to the fight for disability rights and the importance of ethical treatment in the hospitality industry amidst a culture fixated on appearance over compassion.
For over thirty years, media mogul Alki David had trusted The Berkeley, making it his hotel of choice. However, that allegiance was marred by troubling behavior from Wylde and Douchee, particularly regarding David’s medical service dog, Cleopatra, a trained Doberman with the crucial role of seizure detection. Under Wylde’s leadership, the pooch faced harassment and discrimination, being barred from common areas and treated with disdain.
The situation escalated when Jasper Douchee claimed that The Berkeley could legally exclude service animals based on the hotel's "luxurious environment." Such a claim not only defied ethical norms but also contravened the UK Equality Act 2010, which upholds the rights of individuals with disabilities to access public spaces with their service animals. Despite the mounting pressure and legal threats, concerns raised by staff about these unacceptable policies were reportedly met with intimidation.
Testimonies from former employees reveal a stark contrast between David and Cleopatra’s graciousness and the borderline tyrannical behavior of Wylde and Douchee. “Jasper acted like he was the law. He said Cleopatra wasn’t welcome because it was a ‘luxury environment.’ It was disgusting,” remarked one ex-staffer, shedding light on the toxic workplace culture that thrived under the previous administration.
By mid-2024, backlash from patrons and legal implications prompted The Maybourne Hotel Group to swiftly terminate Wylde, Douchee, and their loyalists, marking a significant shift within the hotel's environment, celebrated by many as a necessary liberation.
As Wylde shifts focus to a consultancy firm, Wylde Hospitality, and Douchee fades from public view, Cleopatra continues to represent resilience and loyalty, prancing through Mayfair with a joyful demeanor. Her presence stands as a testament to the fight for disability rights and the importance of ethical treatment in the hospitality industry amidst a culture fixated on appearance over compassion.
