Sharp & Carter founder Stephen Carter apologises for unhinged Christmas party speech

He went viral for an unhinged Christmas party pep talk and now the boss of one of Australia’s largest recruiting firms has addressed his “inappropriate” speech.

The founder of one of Australia’s largest recruiting firms who went viral for an “unhinged” pre-Christmas party pep talk has apologised for his “inappropriate” and “condescending” speech.

In a statement sent to staff on Wednesday, Sharp & Carter executive Stephen Carter said his words were “open to misinterpretation” while also seeking to reassure staff that “the only illicit drug I have ever used is marijuana”.

“I am deeply sorry for the distress I have caused Sharp & Carter’s staff and for the negative attention I have attracted to a business that deeply cares for its more than 200 staff and insists on the highest standards of behaviour and integrity,” he wrote.

Last week, the Herald Sun revealed Mr Carter warned his 203 employees about taking drugs and cheating on partners at work Christmas parties.

“I take drugs myself, I just don’t do it at work events,” he said via Zoom from his Melbourne headquarters.

Sharp & Carter’s founder Stephen Carter from Melbourne. Picture: Facebook

“Because that’s when things get really out of hand. If you take drugs at the Christmas party you will be fired. It’s a really strong rule.

“If you are going to cheat on your partner and if you have to do it – just don’t do it with someone at work, it really becomes problematic as we have seen.”

Mr Carter’s apology comes after one of Sharp & Carter’s major client, the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, said they were “extremely disappointed”.

“This is a very serious matter, we will be assessing our partnership moving forward,” the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee said last week.

Queensland deputy premier Jarrod Bleijie was shown the footage and said he would be asking the Brisbane Committee – who are anti-drugs and doping – for a “please explain.”

In his written apology, Mr Carter said he acknowledged the “tone and content of a speech I gave ahead of our Christmas party was ­inappropriate”.

Mr Carter’s speech ahead of the company Christmas party went viral. Picture: Facebook

“Although the speech, made to an internal meeting, was intended to encourage staff to act carefully and respectfully and avoid harm during our Christmas festivities, elements were open to misinterpretation, misrepresenting Sharp & Carter’s positions on several important issues.

“I see now that my speech was also condescending. Our staff are adults responsible for their own behaviour.”

Mr Carter also clarified the only drug he had ever taken was marijuana.

“I also see the inconsistency of an older man attempting to send a message about responsible behaviour to younger people by adopting an offhand approach to the serious topic of drug use. “We have zero tolerance for drug use in the workplace.

“To be totally frank, I do not take drugs. The only illicit drug I have ever used is marijuana, socially and the last time was more than five years ago.”

Mr Carter also said he had been “happily married for more than 20 years”.

“I do not see cheating on partners as acceptable behaviour,” he said.

The Sharp & Carter office Christmas party was held in Melbourne last Friday night.