The menu which compared Julia Gillard's body to a cooked quail has been labelled an “in-house” joke by the owner of the Brisbane restaurant which hosted a Liberal party fundraiser.
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Richards & Richards owner Joe Richards has claimed responsibility for the menu, which he said was never distributed on tables at the fundraiser.
The Queensland LNP executive released on Wednesday night a letter Mr Richards wrote to Liberal Mal Brough in which he apologised for the menu.
“I I have been following the rubbish that has been on the news today,” Mr Richard's writes.
“I would like to confirm what actually happened: there were never any menus distributed on the tables or in the restaurant.
“I created a mock menu myself as a light-hearted joke, however as I said I never produced them for public distribution.
“Unfortunately a staff member saw the mock menu, and unbeknownst to myself, posted it on their facebook. It now appears that a third party for political reasons has distributed it, yet I can reassure you that no such menu was distributed on the night.
“As you know no one at the dinner was privy to such a menu, and it is so unfortunate that an in-house joke between myself and my son has caused you great problems and embarrassment.”
A LNP spokesman said the letter was released with Mr Richard's permission and was written after Mr Richard saw the menu story on the evening news.
“He sent it after seeing the story tonight,” the spokesman said.
Fairfax Media has attempted to contact Mr Richards.
The LNP spokesman said a further statement from Mr Richards was expected to be released later Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning to further “clarify” the matter.
The person who leaked the menu on twitter reportedly found it on the Facebook page belonging to a chef from the restaurant.
smh.com.au
