In the latest major development, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is facing fresh allegations of bullying and sexism. These allegations are levied by a former Toto Wolff aide, Shaila-Ann Rao, who worked as the former interim secretary general for motorsport in the FIA.
This report emerges a few months after Ben Sulayem was accused of passing sexist comments on an archived website. As quoted by The Times, this website shockingly stated that Ben Sulayem does not like “women who think they are smarter than men, for they are not in truth”.
FIA President faces fresh allegations over bullying and sexism by former Toto Wolff aide
According to the Telegraph, Toto Wolff’s former aide Shaila-Ann Rao has sent a letter that contains ‘numerous instances of sexist behavior’ by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The report states that these allegations were never investigated.
The report further adds that witnesses saw Ben Sulayem shouting at Rao in the F1 paddock and referring to her as ‘that woman’. It remains to be seen whether these claims would now be investigated or once again ignored.
The appointment of Rao to the FIA has always been controversial as she previously worked as Wolff’s special advisor. It is this reason also why most people have been hesitant to take Rao’s allegations seriously.
Fans react as Mohammed Ben Sulayem faces new allegations
Fans have given divided reactions after FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem was again accused of sexism and bullying. Some fans have sided with Ben Sulayem by suggesting that Shaila-Ann Rao is falsely accusing the FIA President because of her previous connection with Toto Wolff.
President gets angry his employee leaked crucial details 😱😱
— Wionel Wessingh 🇦🇷🇦🇷 (@formulamessi) April 25, 2023
Basically you have to hire women for diversity and then not say anything to them
— Vvk (@vvk_blc) April 25, 2023
How’s that sexist? Merc agent just salty she got exposed.
— GOATSTAPPEN ERA (@JagisinhoV2) April 25, 2023
Shaila should be arrested for fraud.
— HEISEN (@zqngrandprix) April 25, 2023
She leaked the over budget thing to Mercedes, I won’t be surprised if she’s lying again
— 🦁🔥 (@goateddutchman) April 25, 2023
Wao never thought shouting at someone was sexism. Looks like I face sexism often at work in that case😂.
Surprising how Shaila shit ann was never alleged for passing insider info to mercedes though 🙈
— Dan (@deathwhistle12) April 25, 2023
Thats literally Toto’s former assistant 😭😭😭
— Michael Masi Never Broke Again (@RepsMasi) April 25, 2023
Meanwhile, there were also a few that sided with Rao by pointing out that Ben Sulayem has been accused of being a sexist previously also. Several fans that sided with Rao stated that the FIA President must be sacked as he is unfit for the job.
Suspend him on the spot
— Mxm (@Mxm79736529) April 25, 2023
@fia stinks so badly right now. Mohammed is a true orange army fan with the misogyny 🤢🤢🤢
— Viv (@viv_1111) April 25, 2023
Mohammed Ben Suleyem is on his way out 👉🏾https://t.co/yLU9AtDD7k
— Athena 🏳️🌈 (@tarmactorque) April 25, 2023
If these allegations are true it’s another example of an institutionally and structural sexist organisation showing its true colours. It uses women’s achievements to profit, whilst marginalising and belittling women behind the scenes. https://t.co/sxnoDaQYKn
— amelia 🏁 (@formulaAMELIA) April 25, 2023
Given Ben Sulayem’s past comments about women, it wouldn’t be remotely surprising if these allegations are true.
If indeed they are, this is just the latest example of him being unfit to be @fia President. https://t.co/SWFeWlT9hi
— Rob Myers (@RobLMyers) April 25, 2023
