The News
**Hollywood’s Dark Secrets Unveiled: The Soho House Yacht Scandal**
A 2001 Guardian article sheds light on the Soho House Waiyaken, a hotspot for top producers and directors, marking a significant chapter in the Soho House membership history.
Originating in London in 1995, the Soho House legacy expanded to include the annual Soho House Yacht experience for members during the K-Film Festival, starting as early as 1997.
The Ken Yacht made its debut on the Soho House website in 2003.
Notably, infamous figure Harvey Weinstein has been deeply entrenched as a Soho House member since at least 2003, frequently gracing the Ken yacht parties.
Reports emerged years later detailing the hedonistic ambiance at the Soho House Waiyaken.
While modern-day online information is more discreet, Soho House continues to host yachts and yacht events, with mentions as recent as 2023.
The allure of the Soho House yacht intertwines with the hedonistic reputation of the Ken Film Festival, known for extravagant parties often set on yachts due to France's stringent anti-prostitution laws.
These gatherings attract professional s– workers, as some high-end hotels discourage such activities.
Aspiring actresses and models frequent these events, aiming to forge connections with affluent producers and executives present at the festival.
However, reports have surfaced regarding predatory and abusive behavior at some of these parties.
Showbiz journalist Jessica Cullen's captivating piece from 2009 delves into the world of celebrity hedonism at the Ken Film Festival, spotlighting the Soho House yacht and the scandalous behaviors exhibited by celebrities, including drug use and aspiring stars' extreme measures to attain fame.
With three nights into the festival, Cullen unveils a side rarely depicted in mainstream media.
Drawing from her extensive experience covering the festival seven times, she portrays it as a realm of networking, revelry, and debauchery, rather than a mere competition for accolades.
The Soho House yacht, chartered for members and guests by the prestigious London club, becomes a focal point of intrigue at the festival.
Amidst the prevalent drug culture in Cannes, Cullen observes a prominent British celebrity engaging in illicit transactions aboard the yacht.
The narrative intertwines with mentions of Harvey Weinstein and other dubious individuals leveraging promises of stardom for personal gain.
The festival pulsates with promiscuity, alcohol-fueled escapades, and risqué encounters, as witnessed by film executive Lydia, who navigates the whirlwind of screenings, meetings, and indulgence.
Notorious figures like Harvey Weinstein loom large at these gatherings, where a competitive atmosphere prevails among attendees vying for attention and opportunities.
Instances of lewd behavior and exploitation unfold, exemplified by an incident involving a group of women stripping on a yacht's deck, attracting a swarm of onlookers seeking to capitalize on their vulnerability.
The allure of fame and fortune drives individuals to compromise their integrity in pursuit of elusive success, as echoed in Meghan Markle's rumored involvement in the Soho House yacht scene, given her past affiliations and penchant for travel.