B.C. Premier Christy Clark rebuffs Richard Branson’s naked kitesurfing offer
B.C. Premier Christy Clark is rejecting British billionaire Richard Branson's invitation for an 'au-naturel' kitesurfing date.
The Virgin Atlantic Founder was in Vancouver last week to launch his airline's Vancouver to London service. Upon returning to England, he wrote a somewhat creepy blog post asking Clark to join him on the waters.
"One thing though, I forgot to tell her about the dress code! Well, here it is," Branson wrote aside a picture of a naked woman on his back.
On Tuesday, Clark called Branson's comments inappropriate.
"I didn't think it was very respectful," Clark told reporters in Victoria.
"Lots of young women I hope want to run for politics. I think when you meet with the CEO of a billion dollar company who wants to do business with your province, you can get a little bit more respectful treatment than that."
Comments on Branson's webpage, about the post, ranged from reactions of disgust to reactions of hero-worship.
"Disgusting, sexist and tasteless," Kate Trotter wrote. "Is it okay to degrade women as long as you're rich. A rich man?"
Scott Kavanagh, on the other hand, wrote: "You're my hero Sir Richard. Man you know how to live! Thanks for inspiring us."
Clark seems to have got the last word, though.
"Somebody said to me," she told reporters.
"As a joke, that if that's his best pick-up line, then maybe there's a reason he called his company Virgin."