Protesters call for a boycott of the Beverly Hills Hotel over human rights issues
David McNew/Getty Images
Protesters — including Jay Leno — descended on the Beverly Hills Hotel on Monday to bring attention to upcoming penalties for adultery and homosexuality in Brunei.
The Beverly Hills Hotel, as well as its fancy, nearby sister establishment the Hotel Bel-Air, are part of the Dorchester Collection, owned by the Brunei Investment Agency, an arm of the Brunei government. Last week, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah announced a new criminal code based on sharia law, starting with fines or jail terms for things like skipping Friday prayers or extramarital pregnancy. The second phase will be rolled out later this year, involving the severing of limbs and flogging for property crimes, while the third phase in 2015 will make adultery and gay sex punishable by death.
Ellen DeGeneres said on Twitter that she will not visit any of the Dorchester Collection hotels "until this is resolved," and Leno quipped: "This is 2014, not 1814. This is what I'm doing in my retirement." Leno was joined outside the hotel by members of the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center and the Feminist Majority (his wife, Mavis, is on the board).
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Many are calling for a boycott of the Dorchester properties, and the Beverly Hills City Council is expected to pass a resolution calling for the government of Brunei to sell the hotel. The chief executive of the Dorchester Collection, Christopher Cowdray, told the Los Angeles Times that a boycott "won't stop the implementation" of the new laws, and would "only hurt the employees. We are obviously very disappointed by the approach that has been taken.... This is an iconic property that relies on international business."
It was business as usual at the hotel during the protest, and employees even brought out bottled water and cookies to the crowd. --Catherine Garcia
Iframe Code
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia is night editor for TheWeek.com. Her writing and reporting has appeared in Entertainment Weekly and EW.com, The New York Times, The Book of Jezebel, and other publications. A Southern California native, Catherine is a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
Mark Menzies: Tories investigate MP after 'bad people' cash claims
Speed Read Fylde MP will sit as an independent while party looks into allegations he misused campaign funds on medical expenses and blackmail pay-out
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
'Another day of chaos in DC'
Today's Newspapers A roundup of the headlines from the US front pages
By The Week Staff Published
-
6 scenic white water rafting destinations to get your heart racing
The Week Recommends Have a rip-roaring time on the water
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published