Valance and Wintour Host Rival Trump and Biden Events in London
The US election campaign made its way to London on Wednesday evening, featuring rival fundraising events hosted by an Australian pop star and the editor of Vogue, aimed at collecting thousands of dollars in donations.
Vogue's editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, is reported to be hosting a fundraiser for Joe Biden's campaign, with tickets costing $1,000 each. Only US citizens and permanent residents are allowed to donate.
Among the reported guests at the Republican fundraiser was Donald Trump's son, Donald Jr., and Trump's ally, Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, who greeted journalists warmly upon arrival. Greg Swenson, chairman of Republicans Overseas, also confirmed his attendance and mentioned ticket prices ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with dinner tickets costing $50,000 per couple. Swenson defended the high ticket prices by comparing them to Democratic events, noting the most expensive tickets for a Biden event in New York cost half a million dollars each.
Swenson anticipated that Trump Sr. might make a virtual appearance, as he had done at other events. The fundraiser took place near the Chelsea Embankment in an exclusive area, where guests were welcomed at polished black gates by a man in a suit and umbrella. The venue is described as a “hub for entertainment and relaxation,” featuring a wine cellar, swimming pool, spa, and IMAX cinema. However, not all attendees were Trump supporters; a woman with an American accent shouted “Vote Biden” from a nearby building.
Although Trump has been trailing in fundraising, his recent conviction in a New York hush-money trial spurred donations amounting to tens of millions of dollars, according to his campaign team. Swenson highlighted the success of small donations, attributing it to Americans' reactions to the justice system.
Holly Valance, 41, better known for her 2002 song "Kiss Kiss," has been linked to Farage and Trump since being photographed with them in 2022 alongside her husband, entrepreneur Nick Candy.
Few details were available about the rival Democratic event, reportedly hosted by Anna Wintour, according to a Financial Times report.
The timing of the rival London events was pure coincidence, insisted Sharon Manitta, global press secretary for Democrats Abroad.
Ms Manitta said her organisation - which operates separately to the Biden campaign - had organised a further event, a comedy night in Greenwich, for which tickets were selling for the more modest sum of $60.
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