{"url":"https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/company-award-revoked-after-comedian-33729044#89s2vlrt2oejjpz2xqf8yq53z7to5e2lb","title":"Award revoked after comedian's stage abuse","domain":"walesonline.co.uk","imageUrl":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/35755228/pexels-photo-35755228.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","pexelsSearchTerm":"comedian on stage","category":"Politics","language":"en","slug":"871bb952","id":"871bb952-f201-4564-a553-e23e589f00e4","description":"Afan Ales & Fine Wines lost its runner-up award in the best pub/bar category after comedian Sandro Ford abused the host on stage.","summary":"## TL;DR\n- **Afan Ales & Fine Wines** lost its runner-up award in the best pub/bar category after comedian Sandro Ford abused the host on stage.\n- Ford shouted a sexist insult at the host; organisers cited further sexist, racist, and homophobic remarks in revoking the award.\n- The company denies discriminatory behaviour by its staff, blames an individual not acting for them, and has sought legal advice.\n\n## The story at a glance\nAfan Ales & Fine Wines, a Port Talbot business, had its joint runner-up prize in the **Best of Welsh Business Awards**' best pub/bar 2026 category revoked after comedian **Sandro Ford** accepted it on stage and called the female host a \"c**t\". The ceremony happened on **April 5, 2026**, and organisers released video of the incident plus claims of wider abuse towards winners. The company rejects allegations of racism or homophobia by its team.\n\n## Key points\n- Comedian **Sandro Ford** and three others from Afan Ales went on stage; the host handed over a trophy but kept the microphone as instructed.\n- Ford pointed at the host and shouted the insult after she turned away; two others left the stage.\n- Organisers posted video evidence and a separate clip of someone off-stage shouting a racist slur, identity unclear.\n- **Best of Welsh Business Awards** revoked the award, banned Afan Ales from future events, and enforced a zero-tolerance policy.\n- Company owner states neither they nor staff made racist or homophobic remarks; the comment came from an individual not representing the business.\n- Afan Ales apologised for the evening's circumstances but rejects discrimination claims and has taken legal advice.\n\n## Details and context\nThe incident unfolded at the awards ceremony on **April 5**, with the story reported the next day. Organisers said the business's actions undermined the awards' integrity despite the public vote.\n\nAfan Ales focuses on craft ales and fine wines in Port Talbot; this was their recognition in the pub/bar category.\n\nNo prior issues with the company are mentioned, and the row centres on who spoke and whether it ties to the business.\n\n## Key quotes\n> \"Although this business was voted as a joint runner-up in their category, their actions were not representative of the integrity associated with our awards.\"  \n> *— Best of Welsh Business Awards statement*\n\n> \"For the avoidance of any doubt, neither I nor my business, Afan Ales, made any racist or homophobic remarks. Any suggestion to the contrary is entirely false.\"  \n> *— Afan Ales owner*\n\n## Why it matters\nAwards like these boost local businesses' reputation in competitive sectors like hospitality.  \nIt warns companies about who they send to represent them at public events, as backlash can lead to bans and legal costs.  \nWatch for any legal action from Afan Ales or further videos from the organisers.","hashtags":["#wales","#business","#awards","#controversy","#hospitality","#legal"],"sources":[{"url":"https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/company-award-revoked-after-comedian-33729044#89s2vlrt2oejjpz2xqf8yq53z7to5e2lb","title":"Original article"}],"viewCount":2,"publishedAt":"2026-04-08T21:31:40.783Z","createdAt":"2026-04-08T21:31:40.783Z","articlePublishedAt":"2026-04-08T15:59:23.000Z"}