The US election campaign made its way to London on Wednesday evening, with Australian pop star Holly Valance and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour hosting competing fundraising events, each aiming to garner substantial donations.
Holly Valance, known for her role in Neighbours and early 2000s pop hits, hosted a pro-Donald Trump event in West London. Ticket prices for this exclusive event started at $10,000 (£7,800), according to a guest who spoke to a news portal in the UK.
Meanwhile, Anna Wintour organized a fundraiser supporting Joe Biden’s campaign. A Biden campaign official confirmed the event, where tickets were priced at $1,000 each.
Only US citizens and permanent residents were eligible to make donations at these events.
Republican Fundraiser Highlights
Donald Trump’s son, Donald Jr., attended the Republican fundraiser, calling it “incredible” and noting it raised significant funds, according to CBS News. When asked about the Hunter Biden guilty verdict, he dismissed it as a “decoy to cover up all the actual corruption that was going on in that administration.” Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, also attended.
Greg Swenson, chairman of Republicans Overseas, confirmed ticket prices ranged from $10,000 to $100,000, with dinner costing $50,000 per couple. While acknowledging the high cost, Swenson emphasized the Republicans as the “party of the people” and contrasted the fees with those of Democratic events, noting that the most expensive tickets for a Biden event in New York in March were $500,000 each.
Held near Chelsea Embankment, the London event’s location featured a luxurious setting, described on the property’s website as a “hub for entertainment and relaxation,” complete with a wine cellar, swimming pool, spa, and IMAX cinema. Despite the opulence, not everyone was a supporter, with one nearby resident shouting “vote Biden” in protest.
Democratic Fundraiser Details
Details about the rival Democratic event hosted by Anna Wintour were scarce. Sharon Manitta, global press secretary for Democrats Abroad, insisted the timing of the two events was coincidental. Democrats Abroad also organized a comedy night in Greenwich, with tickets priced at a more modest $60.
These rival events in London underscore the global reach and high stakes of the US election campaign, drawing prominent figures and substantial donations from both sides of the political spectrum.
