Designer Riccardo Tisci has been accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a man last year, according to a legal complaint filed in a New York Supreme Court Tuesday.
In the complaint, New York-based Patrick Cooper claimed the former creative director of Givenchy and Burberry drugged his drink at a bar in East Harlem, which resulted in him becoming âdisoriented, impaired, intoxicated, unaware of his actions and surroundings, and unable to comprehend what was going on,â then waking up naked next to Tisci in his home. Cooper was âunable to reject, fight, stop, or defend himselfâ from Tisciâs âpredatory, sexual and unlawful assault,â the complaint alleges.
A spokesperson for Tisci told WWD: âThese allegations are categorically untrue. Riccardo looks forward to clearing his name of these false and malicious allegations. He will obtain vindication through due process.â
The Independent first reported the news on Wednesday. Tisci is known for his transformative, decade-long tenure at LVMH-owned brand Givenchy and bringing his signature aesthetic to Burberry, where he served as creative director from 2018 to 2022.
Over the past few years, Tisci has stayed relatively away from the spotlight: in 2022, he dressed writer and director Michaela Coel under his own name and just started collaborating with Nike again â the first time since 2018 â on a handbag.
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Actress and screenwriter Michaela Coel wore a custom black gown designed by Tisci for the premiere of âBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever.â