Monash University under fire over burlesque show at end of year party

A university is copping backlash for holding an end-of-year party at a burlesque bar. Now, the performer has hit back.

A prominent university is copping backlash over its decision to hold an end-of-year party for some of its staff at a burlesque bar.

Last week, Melbourne-based Monash University issued an apology after its Department of Banking and Finance attended a venue where a burlesque performer, Evana de Lune, ended up in just a G-string and nipple tassels.

In the wake of the revelations, Monash issued an apology and also offered free counselling to those involved.

The university said it was apologising due to “the breakdown in standards” and according to The Age, insiders likened the scenes to that of the Hollywood movie Wolf of Wall Street.

Monash claimed organisers made a mistake by booking the bar, not realising it would involve a live burlesque show.

But Ms de Lune has thrown cold water on this narrative after revealing that far from an accident, the venue had specifically sought her out for her burlesque skills.

Ms De Lune has hit back at claims.

Speaking to the publication, Ms De Lune said “As far as I’m aware, the venue hired me because burlesque was on the menu. And I’m not cheap.

“But no one should need counselling after my show … I hope.”

The performer said she did observe some staff at the university feeling uncomfortable, with one raising concerns about the strip tease. As a result, she kept her bra on.

“If people didn’t know that’s what they were going to, I can empathise with that,” Ms De Lune said.

“It should be clear upfront. Consent is really important. So I understand why there’s been a bit of outrage with the Monash University staff. Burlesque isn’t for everyone.”

She said about half the crowd loved the show and the other half was uncomfortable.

In a social media post, Ms De Lune wrote “’It’s so Wolf Of Wall Street’ – University Staff member who literally had to get counselling after seeing me perform” followed by an upside down smiley face emoji.

The university issued an apology over the incident.

Le Bar, an adults-only Parisian restaurant and bar, is where the incident took place.

Dina Fergadiotis, the bar’s owner, insisted the university had requested for the event.

“We were asked to put together an event,” Ms Fergadiotis said.

Monash apologised over the incident in an email sent to all department staff.

“In future, the Department is committed to a more thorough vetting of venue choices, to better reflect the values and preferences of our Department and the Monash Business School,” the apology read.

News.com.au has contacted Monash University and Ms De Lune for comment.