Waiter ‘humiliated by managers who simulated gay kiss’

"Shocked": Vincent Ma claims his nipple was pinched by a diner at Yauatcha in Soho
Rashid Razaq12 April 2012

A gay waiter is suing a Michelin-starred restaurant for sexual harassment and discrimination after claiming two male managers simulated a gay kiss and fondled each other in front of him.

Vincent Ma, 31, says he was left feeling "humiliated" following homophobic abuse by staff and customers at the Yauatcha Chinese restaurant in Soho.

A central London employment tribunal heard how Mr Ma was employed as a waiter on "foot running" duties carrying trays of food upstairs from the kitchen, working 45-48 hours a week.

He claims that in December last year he began to be subjected to harassment by managers Imran Khaleel and Eder De Oliveira Fonseca Neto because he was gay.

Giving evidence through an interpreter yesterday, Mr Ma said: "Mr Imran Khaleel noticed my nipples popping out, by pointing at my chest with his finger (but not touching). At the same time he said it was sexy'."

Chinese-born Mr Ma was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in January, which he says caused him to lose weight and made his physique more "defined".

"There was a dinner party for the staff of L'Oreal... during their dinner time I was unintentionally shocked when a gay customer pinched my nipple, when I was serving food.

"I told of the situation to Mr Khaleel, that I was being harassed... I was disappointed that he asked me, Do you like it?'."

The waiter also claimed Mr Khaleel and Mr De Oliveira Fonseca Neto performed "pretend gay kissing" when he passed them on the stairs.

"Their sexual harassment conduct became more aggressive and frequent, I lost my dignity and respect from people," he said.

Mr Ma also claims insufficient rest breaks and the refusal to make allowances for his health made his diabetes worse. He resigned on 29 May.

Hakkasan Limited, which owns Yauatcha, denies disability discrimination and harassment on the grounds of sexual orientation.

The hearing continues.

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