This week, the president of
Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), which oversees Formula 1 open wheel auto racing, was caught with his pants down, literally. A British tabloid published a video of four-time president
Max Mosley engaged in a sexual Nazi roll-playing scenario with five prostitutes, causing many to demand his resignation.
Mosley, 67, is the son of
SirOswald Mosley, the founder of the British Union of Fascist and reportedly a close friend and confidant of
Adolph Hitler. A former barrister, Max Mosley has turned Formula 1 into one of the most lucrative automotive racing circuits since taking control of the union in 1993.
Mosley was instrumental in implementing new safety regulations for the sport and has been an outspoken advocate for environmentally friendly racing.
This weekend,
News of the World in London obtained footage of Mosley engaged in what many believe to be offensive sexual behavior. Footage shows Mosley hiring five prostitutes who are dressed as German prison guards, and the group reenacts a concentration camp scene.
The
Times stated, “speaking in German and brandishing a leather whip, he beat the women after allowing himself to be subjected to a humiliating inspection for lice and an interrogation in chains.”
The FIA refused to comment on the subject, saying only, "This is a matter between Mr. Mosley and the newspaper."
While Formula 1 racing has declined an official response to the situation, CEO
Bernie Ecclestone, did tell the
Daily Mail, “Assuming it’s all true, what people do privately is up to them. I don’t honestly believe [it] affects the sport in any way. Knowing Max it might be all a bit of a joke. You know, it’s one of those things where he’s sort of taking the p***, rather than anything against Jewish people.”
Many in the Jewish community, however, have found the antics horrifying and have called for Mosley’s immediate resignation.
Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, told the
Times, “For anyone to be in such a position of influence and power beggars belief. I am absolutely appalled.”
A father of two, Mosley has been married to his wife
Jean since 1960.
