Winemaker Norman Hardie apologizes after allegations of sexual misconduct surface

Prominent Ontario winemaker Norman Hardie has apologized for his behaviour after several women came forward to accuse him of sexual misconduct.

In a report published in the Globe and Mail Tuesday, three women said they had unwanted sexual contact with Hardie — groping or kissing — while they were working at his winery or at industry events.

Eighteen others described behaviour that could be considered sexual harassment, the Globe said, including requests for sex, lewd comments and remarks about their bodies and clothes. A few women said they left the winery because of his behaviour.

Hardie released a statement on his website Wednesday claiming some of the allegations against him are false, but he admitted many are not.

“Reading the stories of these women and how my behaviour impacted them has made me deeply ashamed,” he said. “To all those who felt marginalized, demeaned or objectified while working for or alongside me, I am truly very sorry.

“Behaviour and language I viewed at the time as harmless or good-natured was anything but. This was particularly true given the position of power I was in. That position of power almost certainly explains why it took several years for anyone to confront me over my behaviour.”

Hardie said he’s been working for several years to change his behaviour and after the Globe reporters contacted him several months ago, he hired an “independent advisor” to conduct a review of the workplace culture at his winery in Wellington, Ont.

He said the assessment was completed in April and “did not find any examples of sexual harassment in the workplace today.”

Hardie added his team has begun implementing some of the recommendations from the review, including providing training on harassment.

“We have made good progress. But there is still work to be done, particularly as it applies to me personally,” he said.

“All I can promise is that I will work hard every day to earn back your trust in the days, months and years ahead.”

Toronto restaurateur Jen Agg said she had heard stories about Hardie’s behaviour before but, like others, hesitated to come forward.

“So a lot of people are asking ‘if no one’s surprised why did nobody speak up sooner??’” she said on Twitter. “I heard a vague story from a woman 2 years ago. And I wanted to shout it, but knew I’d be ostracized or sued. I’m so glad the work has been done to bring it to light.”

She also chastised prominent men in the restaurant industry — with a couple of exceptions — for failing to speak out against Hardie.

Montreal restaurant Joe Beef, and Chantecler and Boralia in Toronto have all removed Hardie’s wines from their menus.

However, the LCBO said it will continue to stock the wines.

“We share the industry’s concern regarding the troubling allegations against Norman Hardie,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

“The LCBO is firmly committed to a safe and equitable work environment and we expect our suppliers and partners to operate with the same commitment … We support any dialogue that advances the safety and respect of all those who work in our industry.

“At this time, we leave the choice to purchase Norman Hardie products in the hands of our customers.”

With files from The Canadian Press

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