Chairman of the Arcadia Group Sir Philip Green is the subject of a police investigation after reports surfaced claiming the business magnate groped a pilates instructor under his employment.
The incident reportedly took place at the Canyon Ranch health spa in Tuscan, Arizona, where Green was staying at the time.
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A report published by The Daily Telegraph revealed the allegations, which are far from the first made against 66-year-old Green, stating that he ‘spanked’ professional instructor Katie Sarridge, before continuing to touch her inappropriately and making lewd sexual comments.
Whilst Green’s spokesman denied the allegations, Deputy Daniel Jelineo of Pima County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed that the police were investigating the issue after complaints were made by Surridge.
The officer told the press: “Sir Philip Green, I’m aware of a report that was made to our department yesterday, on the 18th.
“He’s being investigated for a criminal offence at this time.”
“I felt taken advantage of, like a piece of meat at his disposal,” Surridge told The Telegraph.
“It feels completely sexual in nature.The way – the noises and the ‘oh you naughty girl’ [comments]. I can hear him saying it right now.”
A spokesman for Sir Peter Green addressed the Press Association to confirm that ‘nothing was found’ in the ongoing investigation, and that the issue was dropped by the resort.
“In terms of the allegation, it did not happen,” he added. “Sir Philip has visited the ranch since that time and has no issues with the management or any of the people there.”
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These new claims come after years of historic allegations against Green, with up to five prior employees having signed non-disclosure agreements to prevent them from discussing specific incidents or past complaints made against the business leader.
Whilst specific incidents remain private under the NDAs, plaintiffs have reportedly been compensated in excess of £1million for their compliance.
At the time, Green said in a statement that both he and his company Arcadia, the parent company behind Miss Selfridge, Burton and Topshop, “take accusations and grievances from employees very seriously and in the event that one is raised, it is thoroughly investigated.
“Arcadia employs more than 20,000 people and in common with many large businesses sometimes receives formal complaints from employees.
“In some cases these are settled with the agreement of all parties and their legal advisers. These settlements are confidential so I cannot comment further on them.”
