Sir Elton Hercules John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight; 25 March 1947) is an English singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer. Collaborating with lyricist Bernie Taupin since 1967 on more than 30 albums, John has sold more than 300 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists. He has more than fifty Top 40 hits in the UK Singles Chart and US Billboard Hot 100, including seven number ones in the UK and nine in the US, as well as seven consecutive number-one albums in the US. His tribute single "Candle in the Wind 1997", rewritten in dedication to Diana, Princess of Wales, sold over 33 million copies worldwide and is the best-selling single in the history of the UK and US singles charts. He has also produced records and occasionally acted in films. John owned Watford F.C. from 1976 to 1987 and from 1997 to 2002. He is an honorary life president of the club.
The New York Times published a piece on the global boycott of the Beverly Hills Hotel and all Dorchester Collection properties.
The boycott stems from the draconian policies against women and the LGBTQ+ community imposed by properties’ owner, Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, in his country.The Times interviewed me for its story, as I have been a recognized leader of the boycott since its inception in 2014.
The boycott around the world has been a raging success. It was immediately embraced by scores of Hollywood celebrities, executives, and business leaders such as Ellen DeGeneres, George Clooney, Sir Elton John, Sir Richard Branson, Valentino Garavani, and Jay Leno.
The boycott has contributed to the sultan and his Brunei Investment Agency, the sovereign wealth fund of Brunei, losing hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue.