Prominent British landlord Fergus Wilson has banned another group of people from renting his properties - this time it's "coloured people" because they leave a curry smell behind.
The 69-year-old has previously barred single parents, low-income workers, pet owners, smokers, and shockingly, victims of domestic violence because their angry partners typically cause damage by kicking in walls or doors.
Mr Wilson's anti-curry comments were part of an email to an agent who works on Mr Wilson's behalf, running an empire in Kent. The email reads: "No coloured people because of the curry smell at the end of the tenancy."
The outspoken landlord defended his comments to local media, saying in some cases he had to replace the carpets to remove the stench.
Mr Wilson is a property tycoon with a fortune estimated at NZ$176 million.
His comments have sparked an uproar. Roy Fever, who manages a number of Mr Wilson's properties, doesn't agree but says Mr Wilson's decisions are out of his hands.
"We would never implement a policy like that. We put through anyone to the landlord and it is up to the landlord who they take on," Mr Fever says.
A spokesperson for the Hope Not Hate group says the discrimination is impermissible.
"This is the unacceptable face of the housing crisis. There is something broken in the system when such a powerful figure can get away with such an appalling policy," the spokesperson added.
Newshub.
