“This Is Happening Now”: Reports of Sexual Assault at The Caterpillar Club

In August, the Sydney Morning Herald published allegations of sexual misconduct at Swillhouse, the Sydney-based hospitality group. The claims range from inappropriate to criminal, alleging the group fosters a dangerous work environment – particularly for its female staff. This week, the masthead added to the allegations, with a trio of ex-employees going on record to reporters Eryk Bagshaw and Bianca Hrovat with claims they were abused while working at The Caterpillar Club and Hubert.

Ex-Caterpillar Club supervisor Reuby Kahl, and ex-Hubert staff Claire Jones and Brittany Rowe allege they were sexually assaulted by colleagues – either at work or home – and claim Swillhouse management failed to adequately respond to their claims. The trio joins bartenders Jenna Hemsworth and Rachelle Hair in allegations against the group (Le Foote, Caterpillar Club, Shady Pines Saloon, Hubert, Alberto’s Lounge and The Baxter Inn, plus the now-closed Frankie’s Pizza).

In August, the group stated “harassment and discrimination of any kind is not tolerated at Swillhouse. The topics addressed in recent media cover a wide range of issues over a period spanning years, dating back to 2008. Over this 16-year period, we are under no illusions; Swillhouse was not always a perfect workplace. But that is not the business we are today and certainly not the business we strive to be.”

But the most recent reporting alleges a culture of misconduct is alive and well at the hospitality group. Two former Swillhouse managers claim colleagues were instructed to find reasons to fire Jones after she reported being sexually assaulted while on shift at Hubert. Another Swillhouse manager denies these allegations. “This is happening now,” Jones told the SMH. “I will not accept their lies or their empty apologies. I will not be silenced.”

Rowe alleges a Hubert co-worker “brutally assaulted” her at home in 2021. She reported the incident to management, asking to be rostered on different shifts from her colleague. But she had to work alongside him. “They let him continue to be employed there, and they offered me no resources, no support, nothing,” Rowe says.

Kahl reports he was “groped intentionally, firmly and disgustingly” between his legs by a co-worker while clearing glasses at The Caterpillar Club in May. He reported it, the issue was escalated, and the alleged perpetrator was fired. Within the same month, when the leadership team arrived at the Club to drink, Kahl says CEO and co-founder Anton Forte told him to improve his attitude at work, suggesting he take time off if needed.

Forte has since stepped down as CEO, remaining at his company as managing director. He recalls the interaction with Kahl differently, but a Swillhouse spokesperson acknowledged the situation could’ve been better handled.

Broadsheet has reached out to Swillhouse for comment, but has not heard back at the time of publication.

In September, CEO Anton Forte responded to the Herald’s reporting with an Instagram video and an email titled “A Better Swillhouse”. He apologised to the team and “wider community”, mentioning his “deep regret” and communicating the steps the group is taking to improve the state of its venues.

The email goes on to outline the “significant steps” taken towards a better business – including a number of new hires. Justine Baker, ex-Solotel CEO, has joined the team as a strategic advisor. Lorraine Farah is working as a “culture and transformation” consultant for Swillhouse, while Gareth O’Keefe is now the group’s workplace health and safety consultant.

In June, prior to the Herald’s initial exposé, a company-wide email instructed staff not to speak to media, following anonymous allegations on Instagram. “In the event media ever approach you, it is our strict policy not to comment,” a manager emailed staff at The Caterpillar Club.”

The SMH’s earlier reports contained allegations of “recordings of people having sex in [Frankie’s] without their consent” being distributed amongst the Swillhouse team, bartenders reportedly using coded language to signal when a woman with large breasts entered The Baxter Inn, managers showing female bartenders violent porn, and on-the-clock drug use.

Safe Work NSW is currently investigating Swillhouse and the wider hospitality industry for alleged misconduct.

If you’ve been the victim of sexual harassment in a hospitality workplace or witnessed an incident, read activist Jamie Bucirde’s advice on navigating the situation.

If you would like to speak with someone about an experience you have had, or would like more information, please call 1800Respect on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au.

You can also alert Broadsheet to misbehaviour of any kind in the hospitality industry via report@broadsheet.com.au. We cannot act on specific tips, but your valuable information may inform future coverage.