Hooker Scandal Taints DSK Invite

The visit of former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn to UCL has been thrown into doubt after he was sensationally charged in France over alleged involvement in a sex scandal.

On Friday The Buzz reported that DSK was set to address students after being invited to Gower Street by the Debating Society, despite his alleged misogyny and the sexual assault charges made against him by a New York hotel maid last year.

The Frenchman also had rape charges made against him by writer Tristane Bannon but an inquiry was dropped in October of last year.

But on Monday he was charged with involvement in a prostitution ring, allegedly attending parties with prostitutes who were provided by a gang. He denies knowing that the women offered sex for money.

DSK also faces charges from Nafissatou Diallo, the hotel maid who accused him of assault last year, in a civil court after criminal charges were dropped.

The latest charges are bound to step up pressure on Debate Soc to withdraw their invitation to the controversial academic and economist.

The judgment of those who extended the invite to Strauss-Kahn has been questioned with one student telling The Buzz that it was "highly unwise of Debate Soc to invite a a figure with such a past."

"There was already a history of controversy and scandal around DSK," she said, "He was controversial as it was and now this. It really makes me wonder why such a man was asked to come anywhere near UCL."

Even if the invitation still stands, it is hard to see how DSK will be able to find time to visit UCL in what looks like a busy, court appearance filled calendar.

Update:  Although The Buzz contacted the Debating Soc President last Friday prior to reporting on DSK's potential visit and received no response, Harriet Ballantine, Treasurer of the society, today issued a statement.

She stressed that DSK had approached the society rather than an invitation being actively extended and revealed that his offer to appear at UCL "is still being discussed by the committee".  

The committee "share the concerns of those opposed to his visit", she added, stressing that these concerns were being taken seriously.