Company boss sparks outrage after ‘blacking up’ to go to firm’s Christmas party as Will Smith

A BOSS triggered outrage when he “blacked up” to go to his firm’s Christmas do as actor Will Smith.

Sales director Richard Gosling, 52, donned a suit and held a toy sci-fi gun to parody Agent J from Men In Black.

He posted his snap on Instagram and even joked: “Ready for the work night out” plus a laughing emoji.

But his fancy dress back-fired.

A source said: “Some colleagues thought it was hilarious when he turned up — but others wanted absolutely nothing to do with him.

“He showed some clients pictures the following week, like it was nothing. Someone complained but he’s still working there so if anything has been done, it’ll be minimal.

“Many agree he took it too far. It’s wrong on so many levels.”

Staff were urged in an email not to post any pictures from the event online.

But Mr Gosling’s snap on Instagram was also shared by his partner. Both posts have since been removed.

The belated festive bash was held in January at a boozer near the headquarters of Close Brothers Vehicle Hire in Ilkeston, Derbys.

The company is owned by a city banking group listed on the London Stock Exchange.

After being contacted by The Sun, a spokesman said: “Close Brothers values diversity and is proud to be an inclusive employer.

“We do not tolerate discrimination and are dealing with this incident in line with our policies.”