We are not homophobic, says Rawson MD after pub brawl

The MD of the Rawson Property Group has spoken out about claims that some of the company’s estate agents instigated a homophobic brawl on Friday.

Over the weekend, reports emerged of drunk individuals, alleged to be estate agents from Rawson, hurling homophobic “hate speech and abuse at a young couple” at the Picanha steak house and pub in Northriding.

A witness alleged that this led to a member of the Rawson group “literally body-slamming both of the guys to the floor one after the other.” He also claimed that the instigators wore Rawson branded clothes.

In a response on social media and in an email to Mambaonline, Rawson MD Tony Clark thanked the members of the public that brought the incident to the company’s attention and said that it “will be dealt with”.

However, he also condemned any “embellishment of facts” and said that “there are three sides to a story”.

Clark stated: “It is unfortunate that Rawson Properties has been portrayed on social media as ‘racist and homophobic’. This is simply not true and unfair.

“We are very proud of our long track record proving that we are supportive of, and have absolutely no bias, towards the LGBT community as well as people of all races and religious persuasions.”

“Please do not believe that the actions of a handful of people represent who we are and what we stand for,” he said.

Clark revealed that the company is reviewing video footage of the incident and collating affidavits from witnesses, including restaurant staff on duty that day.

He also claimed that while the incident took place during the Northriding branch’s birthday celebration, its mostly female staff “was not involved in the incident in any way”.

Instead, Clark said, “it seems that the members that were still at the venue when this happened are from an East Rand office” and that it “also seems that a family member of a Rawson staff member was the main person involved”.

He continued: “Once we have completed a thorough investigation, we will release an official and public response to this incident. In the meantime, please consider the fact that the unforgivable actions of one or two members should not be seen as the Rawson brand’s ethos.”

Clark concluded by vowing to “personally assist those who have been harmed to lay charges against the people responsible and if found guilty, they will be dismissed from our group and must face the relevant consequences.”

If you witnessed the incident or know the alleged victims, please contact us on info@mambaonline.com.