Billionaire Sir Philip Green has been charged with four counts of misdemeanor assault in the United States after a Pilates instructor accused him of groping her during classes.
According to CNN, Katie Surridge told police in Arizona that Green touched her inappropriately at the Canyon Ranch resort in Tucson. In police reports, Surridge referred to the British businessman as a “creepy old man” and alleged that he vigorously” slapped her on the butt in January 2016.
After filing a complaint to resort staff, Surridge was “reassured” that it wouldn’t happen again after they spoke to Green, but in January 2018, he returned and allegedly assaulted her again.
“This time, instead of slapping my butt, he puts his hands, like, he wraps his hands around my waist and then grabs my butt cheek and just puts his hand there and just holds it there as he’s hugging me,” Surridge told the police.
Deputy County Attorney Lauren E. Deakin for Pima County, Arizona said that Green was charged for both incidents, with “knowingly touching another person with the intent to injure, insult or provoke.” If convicted, Green could face up to 30 days in jail for each count of misdemeanor assault, a potential fine and up to one-year of probation.
Amidst allegations, Green maintains his “innocence.” In an official statement given to CNN, the fashion mogul “strenuously denies” allegations of sexual assault or misconduct made against him.
Green, who is currently a chairman for Arcadia Group, the force behind Topshop, is set for arraignment on June 19 in Tucson, Arizona.
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