Founder Ray Kelvin - The 'Hug Culture' Scandal That RUINED Ted Baker

Ray Kelvin, the elusive founder of Ted Baker, breaks his silence on the ‘hug culture’ scandal that shook the British fashion world and ultimately destroyed his career. In this gripping conversation with Andrew Gold, Kelvin finally gives his own account of the controversy that dominated headlines, sparked public outrage, and forced him out of the company he built. If you enjoy hard-hitting interviews that cut through media narratives, make sure you subscribe to Heretics Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@hereticsclips/videos

In this explosive interview, Kelvin reveals what really happened behind the scenes at Ted Baker when accusations of inappropriate “hug culture” practices surfaced — allegations that brought intense scrutiny and a corporate investigation that left the public divided. Kelvin explains where the idea of “hugging” as part of the Ted Baker workplace ethos came from, how it grew into a defining part of the company’s culture, and why it spiralled into one of the most high-profile scandals in modern British business.

For the first time, Kelvin addresses the claims head-on: the staff complaints, the media frenzy, the pressure from the board, and the fallout that cost him his reputation. He gives a candid and emotional account of what it felt like to watch decades of work unravel almost overnight, and why he believes key context and truth were lost amid the headlines. Andrew pushes him on the critical questions: Was the culture inappropriate? Was the reaction fair? Did Kelvin cross a line — or was he the victim of a media narrative that got out of control?

Beyond the scandal, Kelvin discusses the origins of Ted Baker, the eccentric leadership style that built an international fashion powerhouse, and the internal pressures of running a billion-pound brand. He reveals the personal mistakes, business tensions, and misunderstood behaviours that shaped the company — and the downfall.

This conversation is raw, revealing, and often surprising. Whether you see Kelvin as a misunderstood creative or the architect of a toxic culture, his insider account is essential to understanding the full story behind the scandal that reshaped Ted Baker forever.

🔥 Watch the full podcast here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Wo8N2m8a4I

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