Tower of London Beefeater fired for ‘sending racist joke to group of colleagues on WhatsApp’
A TOWER of London Beefeater has been fired for sending a “racist joke” to colleagues in a Whats-App chat.
Veteran Yeoman Warder Simon Dodd has frequently appeared on TV in his role — which he has held for 22 years.
But he was dismissed after several complaints over an offensive gag.
Mr Dodd, 62, is said to have a keen sense of humour and regularly posted jokes to his friends.
However, one associate said: “Unfortunately, on one occasion Simon caused offence by sending a joke that had racist overtones.”
A black Beefeater was said to be among those who received the message and the source said: “There were a number of complaints.
“There is a zero tolerance approach to racism at the Tower and Simon was sacked almost immediately.”
Mr Dodd, who was in the 2004 TV documentary series The Tower, is said to be launching an appeal.
He has been allowed to remain in his grace and favour quarters at the Tower until he can find alternative accommodation.
Our source added: “Simon is not racist and is very popular among the other Beefeaters.
“He paid a high price for a momentary lapse of judgement, but racism of any kind is not tolerated there.”
Mr Dodd’s dismissal last month means he cannot take part in King Charles’s Coronation in May.
All Yeomen Warders — male and female — must have served at least 22 years in the Armed Forces and been a warranted officer with the Long Service and Good Conduct medal.
Mr Dodd became a Beefeater in 2001 after 25 years with the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.
Historic Royal Palaces, which runs the Tower, said it does not comment on individual cases but added: “We take any claims of racism or discrimination extremely seriously.”
Mr Dodd declined to comment on the matter.