Edward “Fast Eddie” Davenport, a self-proclaimed lord, has built a controversial empire on decadent sex parties. His journey began in the 1980s with the infamous Gatecrasher balls, attracting hordes of affluent teenagers to opulent venues for nights of unrestrained revelry. While initially perceived as glamorous, these events quickly gained notoriety for excessive underage drinking, rampant sexual activity, and drug use. Davenport’s overselling of tickets and clashes with authorities ultimately led to the demise of Gatecrasher in 1990, culminating in his arrest and conviction for tax fraud. Despite a prison sentence, Davenport’s passion for extravagant parties remained undimmed.
After a brief foray into nightclub ownership, Davenport acquired 33 Portland Place, a grand mansion in London, transforming it into the epicenter of his lavish sex parties. These gatherings became legendary for their sheer extravagance and uninhibited atmosphere. Guests engaged in a spectrum of sexual activities, from swinging and bondage to group sex, fueled by free-flowing champagne and readily available Viagra. Davenport himself, though claiming abstinence from drugs and alcohol due to a kidney condition, reportedly reveled in the spectacle, orchestrating orgies on a custom-made bed spanning an entire floor. While some attendees described the parties as glamorous and exciting, others painted a less flattering picture, citing a dingy environment and the presence of prostitutes. Davenport’s penchant for associating with celebrities further fueled the notoriety of these gatherings, though many of the photographed celebrities never actually attended his parties. The mansion also served as a venue for film shoots and other events, blurring the lines between its legitimate use and its role as a hedonistic playground.
Davenport’s reign at 33 Portland Place came to an end in 2011 when he was convicted of a multi-million-pound fraud, resulting in a prison sentence and the sale of the property. However, this setback proved to be only a temporary pause in his party-hosting career. Upon his release, Davenport acquired 32 Portland Place, directly across the street from his former residence, and resumed his infamous gatherings. These parties continued to attract a mix of thrill-seekers and curious onlookers, with Davenport maintaining a presence, often accompanied by a female companion, while reportedly abstaining from direct participation in the sexual activities.
The parties at 32 Portland Place continued to generate controversy. One event drew particular criticism for being held just days after a fatal stabbing outside the venue. While Davenport denied involvement, witnesses claimed he was behind the gathering, further solidifying his image as a purveyor of hedonism undeterred by external events. The blatant disregard for public perception and the potential risks associated with his parties underscore Davenport’s dedication to his chosen lifestyle.
Davenport’s trajectory, from a young entrepreneur hosting teen parties to a convicted fraudster presiding over lavish orgies, reveals a complex character fascinated by excess and driven by a relentless pursuit of pleasure. His ability to rebound from legal troubles and maintain a following underscores his charisma and the enduring allure of his decadent gatherings. His story, a blend of extravagance, controversy, and legal battles, offers a glimpse into a world where the boundaries of acceptable behavior are constantly tested.
Davenport’s methods and motivations have been subject to intense scrutiny. His acquisition of 33 Portland Place from the financially struggling Sierra Leonean government for a fraction of its value raised ethical questions. Similarly, his continued hosting of sex parties after his release from prison, including one shortly after a fatal stabbing incident outside his property, highlighted a seeming disregard for public sensitivities and legal repercussions. His persona oscillates between that of a savvy businessman capitalizing on the desires of the wealthy and a morally ambiguous figure exploiting vulnerable individuals. Despite claims of providing a space for consensual adult activities, the presence of prostitutes at some events and allegations of coercion suggest a darker side to his operations. His insistence on maintaining a high profile, often associating himself with celebrities, further complicates the narrative, raising questions about whether he is a shrewd self-promoter or a genuinely influential figure in London’s social scene.
