Frome & District Chamber of Commerce has expressed concern about the ‘adverse effect’ a BBC investigation could have on local businesses, after it linked Frome to a “socially harmful cult”.
In the BBC Inside Out West report that was broadcast on BBC1 earlier this month, The Lighthouse bed & breakfast in Tytherington was reported to be the UK headquarters of Universal Medicine.
Last year, an Australian court, during a libel claim between founder of Universal Medicine, Serge Benhayon, and a woman who had used his ‘healing services’, found it was true to say that Universal Medicine was a “socially harmful cult” that makes false claims about healing.
Since the ruling, media outlets have linked Serge and Universal Medicine to the Lighthouse, which is owned by Simon Williams, and until last week, the president of Frome & District Chamber of Commerce.
Simon stepped down from his role as president following the BBC investigation where he was filmed saying the Australian court ruling was “totally untrue” and that people “don’t understand” what Universal Medicine is about. Committee member Hannah Morden, also stepped down from her role after being linked to Universal Medicine.
In response, Frome & District Chamber of Commerce released a statement accepting Simon and Hannah’s decision to step down so that the chamber ‘is not dragged into the current adverse press reporting’.
They also expressed their concern about the impact of the investigation. They said, “The Chamber is concerned that recent publicity may have an adverse effect on local businesses, including the many alternative practitioners in and around Frome.
“We continue to believe Frome is one of the best places to live and work in the UK and we will continue to try to make it better, and communicate that message.”
The statement also addressed rumours that the Frome & District Chamber of Commerce has been ‘infiltrated’ by Universal Medicine. “The Chamber was not contacted by the BBC before their programme was broadcast. The directors of Frome Chamber are aware of the publicity regarding Universal Medicine and that events relating to Universal Medicine are held at Tytherington’s The Lighthouse, which is owned and run by Simon.
“We have seen the judgement in the Benhayon case in Australia. The Chamber has no knowledge of the allegations made, and has never had any dealings with Mr Benhayon. For the avoidance of doubt, the Chamber strongly disapproves of the activities and beliefs attributed to Mr Benhayon in that case. During their association with the Chamber both Simon and Hannah had never expressed any such beliefs, or raised Universal Medicine, nor is the Chamber aware that they have ever attempted to promote it or recruit people through any events organised by the Chamber.”
They went on to say, “As there are rumours that the Chamber has been infiltrated by Universal Medicine so the remaining directors wish to state that they have never attended any Universal Medicine courses, and do not share the doctrines attributed to it. They do not go to bed at 9pm and get up at 3am, they eat carrots and they drink coffee.”
Daughter of Serge, Simone Benhayon, who owns swimming school Aquatic Creative which is located in the grounds of The Lighthouse, is listed as the UK contact for Universal Medicine on their website. She was approached for comment by Frome Times, but had not responded by the time the paper went to press.
