Italian fashion designer Riccardo Tisci, renowned for his leadership roles at Givenchy and Burberry, is facing serious allegations of sexual assault stemming from an incident in June 2024. A lawsuit filed in the New York Supreme Court by Patrick Cooper alleges that Tisci drugged and sexually assaulted him after a night out in East Harlem.
Allegations Detailed
According to the complaint, Cooper met Tisci through a mutual friend and later joined him at the restaurant 2 Sisters 4 Brothers on East 116th Street. Cooper claims that Tisci surreptitiously slipped a drug into his drink, rendering him disoriented and unable to consent. He alleges that Tisci then took him to his SoHo residence, where the assault occurred. Cooper states that he woke up the next morning naked beside Tisci, with no recollection of the events that transpired. He immediately sought medical attention and reported the incident to the police.
Tisci’s Response
A representative for Tisci has categorically denied the allegations, stating, “These allegations are categorically untrue. Riccardo looks forward to clearing his name of these false and malicious accusations. He will obtain vindication through due process”.
Legal Proceedings
The lawsuit accuses Tisci of assault, battery, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and violations of New York State’s Gender-Motivated Violence Act. Cooper is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorney’s fees.
Background on Riccardo Tisci
Riccardo Tisci, 50, is a prominent figure in the fashion industry, known for his tenure as creative director at Givenchy from 2005 to 2017 and at Burberry from 2018 to 2022. He has collaborated with numerous celebrities, including Madonna, Beyoncé, and Kim Kardashian, for whom he designed a wedding dress and Met Gala gown. Since leaving Burberry, Tisci has focused on smaller projects, including a luxury coffee-table book.
As the legal process unfolds, the fashion industry and the public await further developments in this high-profile case.
Follow MEFeater on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for more fashion, music, and culture content.