Sotheby's India Managing Director Suspended Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

Gaurav Bhatia, who serves as the managing director of Sotheby's India, has been placed on indefinite leave while an investigation into sexual harassment claims is conducted. The allegations, which include four instances of physical assault, inappropriate touching, and forced kissing, were brought to light anonymously through the social media account @herdsceneand, dedicated to addressing harassment in the Indian art sector. Reportedly, these events took place before Bhatia's arrival at Sotheby's in October 2016, after he previously held a marketing leadership position at LVMH's Indian division. Sotheby's announced that Bhatia consented to the leave to facilitate the inquiry, promising his full cooperation. Additionally, the Mumbai Art Room, where Bhatia is a board trustee, confirmed his decision to step down during the investigation. This situation overshadowed Sotheby's first sale at its new Mumbai location on November 29, 2018. Last month, @herdsceneand also prompted the resignation of Riyas Komu, co-founder of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, after similar allegations surfaced. The platform allows victims to anonymously report their experiences of harassment within India's art community.