Ambassadors of a children’s charity in Wales have expressed outrage after disgraced opera singer Wynne Evans was announced as the surprise performer at their fundraising lunch.
The 53-year-old Go Compare star, who faced controversy during his stint on Strictly Come Dancing and after, performed at the Women in Wales event on Friday.
Several charity representatives told reporters they were “horrified” by Evans’ involvement, claiming they had no prior knowledge he would be performing.
The booking has sparked significant backlash among supporters of the organisation.
The announcement was made on the Women in Wales Facebook page on Wednesday, stating: “Wynne will be filling the room with his breathtaking vocals, an unforgettable performance for you all this Friday.”
Following this, Evans wrote on his own social media: “Thank you to all the organisations, promoters, charities and people who have stuck by me and not believed the lies.”
He added: “Let’s all move forward together and find a way and a platform to make people smile by lunchtime once again.”
The post attracted limited criticism on the charity’s page itself.
Evans was caught on video in January making what was described as a “vile sexual slur” to his female co-star Janette Manrara during the Strictly Come Dancing live tour.
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He was subsequently dropped from the tour, and the BBC launched a wide-ranging investigation that extends beyond the Strictly incident.
Earlier, Evans and his dance partner Katya Jones had dismissed a “grope” incident as an unexplained “in-joke”.
Women’s Aid condemned their response, stating that “inappropriate behaviour towards women is no laughing matter”.
One woman involved with the charity, who remained anonymous, told the Daily Mail: “I had no idea and I am absolutely horrified and outraged Wynne Evans is performing.”
She continued: “It flies in the face of everything we have been campaigning tirelessly for and puts our hard work back. This is unacceptable. I want nothing to do with it.”
Another representative added: “We are a women’s charity, and I am so upset we would be associated with him.”
The charity raises money to support children’s charities and projects across Wales.
Evans’ girlfriend, Liz Brookes, 50, serves as the events manager for Women in Wales and is reportedly “completely supporting” him throughout the controversy.
The couple have been in a relationship for a year, with Brookes standing by Evans during his tumultuous time on Strictly.
They met at an event following the end of Evans’ 16-year marriage.
Brookes is credited with helping turn Evans’ life around by encouraging his interest in fitness and helping him get in better shape for his Strictly appearance.
Women in Wales is a children’s charity run by women, founded 31 years ago by Princess Anne’s lady-in-waiting Dame Shân Legge-Bourke.
Sources close to Dame Shân said the 81-year-old was not involved in organising the luncheon and had never been due to attend.
In January, Evans issued a statement saying he was “deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate actions have caused” as he announced taking time away from his BBC Radio Wales show.
GB News has contacted a representative for Evans regarding the charity event controversy.
