Top Cambridge academic accused of sexual misconduct after alleged unwanted kiss
A classics professor at the University of Cambridge could be dismissed from his post after allegedly giving a female student an unwanted "slobbery kiss".
Prof Simon Goldhill, 69, a world-leading professor of Greek tragedy and culture at King’s College, has stepped away from teaching after an inquiry reportedly upheld complaints of professional and sexual misconduct, according to The Times.
The professor, who is the former director of the Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities at Cambridge, is scheduled to retire at the end of the academic year but could face disciplinary action.
The Times reported that Prof Goldhill had admitted kissing a woman in her twenties in a manner which was "over-exuberant" and "no doubt slobbery" in King’s College’s senior common room.
The Telegraph understands that Prof Goldhill remains a member of King’s College – which would typically afford privileges such as sitting at the high table at formal dinners – but is not currently teaching at either the university or the college.
’No direct evidence of consent’
It was also reported that the investigation, carried out by an external consultancy, found he had stroked the woman’s body, touched the zip on her trousers and put his tongue in her ear, though the report said touching of the ear could have been unintentional.
The report, which has not been made publicly available, is said to have concluded that Prof Goldhill provided no "direct evidence that he had asked for and received consent" and instead stated the "belief was that he did not need it for a goodbye kiss or ’friendly snuggle’".
It is also said to have stated that Prof Goldhill believed his drunken state was mitigation, though not an excuse, for his actions.
The female student told The Times that she had to push the professor away during the incident in autumn 2024, adding that she waited until March 2025 to lodge the complaint as she was fearful of the potential effect on her studies and career.
The complaint is said to have prompted Cambridge to commission the investigation, which reported in February that Prof Goldhill had a case to answer under several university policies.
The university is understood still to be investigating and considering further action, after allegedly telling the complainant that she was not entitled to know any further details of the potential disciplinary process.
’Punch in the gut’
The anonymous student told The Times: "In the immediate aftermath of the incident I was in shock, and felt completely empty. I could feel that this was something that would affect me for a long time.
"The longer-term effects and the university’s poor response have had the greatest impact on me. My studies have been significantly disrupted, and this has impacted me financially. Receiving the complaint outcome letter from the university, which essentially said ’your complaint has been upheld, we will not tell you any consequences we may hand out, goodbye’.
"It felt like a punch in the gut after a harrowing, year-long process. It makes me feel like the university does not take the safety of their students, especially women, seriously."
Under the university’s rules, academic officers retire at the end of the year in which they reach the age of 69.
The university said the policy ensured intergenerational fairness, career progression, effective succession planning and promoted innovation.
A spokesman for the university said: "The University of Cambridge takes all complaints of sexual misconduct very seriously and any concerns raised by staff or students would be looked into in line with the relevant university policies and procedures, and action would be taken, where appropriate. These processes are by their nature confidential so we will not be commenting further."
A spokesman for King’s College added: "We, like the University of Cambridge, take all complaints of sexual misconduct seriously.
"The process mentioned in the article is being managed by the university, not King’s College. We do not comment on active investigations, either within the college or outside of it."
Prof Goldhill has been approached for comment.
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