Columnist Sarah Vine has claimed that comedian Harry Enfield “jiggled” her breasts at a Downing Street reception.
The Daily Mail writer and former wife of Cabinet minister Michael Gove said Enfield asked “do you mind if I have a go?” and fondled her in front of a room of party guests.
Writing in her column today, she said the incident took place in front of politicians and journalists during the premiership of David Cameron.
Describing her experience, Vine wrote: “It was at a party very early on in David Cameron’s premiership — probably late 2010. I was standing around, as you do, glass in hand, chatting to various people, when Enfield, the comedian, joined the conversation. I remember it was very loud, and everyone was a bit hyper, all over-excited about being there.
“I can’t remember what I was wearing but it must have been some kind of party dress because my gay friend commented on it and said that it made my breasts look ‘rather magnificent’.
He then said something along the lines of ‘do you mind if I have a go?’
“Everyone laughed — including Enfield, who concurred. He then said something along the lines of ‘do you mind if I have a go?’ before grabbing them and jiggling them with a vigorous enthusiasm that took me by surprise.”
Ms Vine said she “really wasn’t sure what to make of it”, but “wasn’t particularly upset, adding: “He did it in full view of everyone, so it wasn’t threatening, but it did rather take the wind out of my sails. I decided to file it under ‘someone having a bit of fun at my expense’.”
She went on to describe a sketch Enfield aired after the alleged incident which seemed to mirror her experience.
She said: “Maybe that was his way of apologising. Life is a rich tapestry, and not all the stitches are even. Does that make us bad people? Not necessarily.”
Enfield has been contacted for comment.
