Renowned Italian fashion designer Riccardo Tisci, 50, celebrated for his transformative tenures at Givenchy and Burberry. Finds himself embroiled in controversy following serious allegations of sexual assault.
On April 29, 2025 lawsuit was filed in New York Supreme Court by 35-year-old Patrick Cooper, who claims Tisci drugged and assaulted him in June 2024.
According to court documents, Cooper alleges that Tisci slipped an unknown substance into his drink during a night out at 2 Sisters 4 Brothers, a soul food restaurant in East Harlem. Cooper, who met Tisci through a mutual friend, states he became disoriented and woke up naked in Tisci’s multimillion-dollar SoHo townhouse, with partial memory loss.
The complaint accuses Tisci of assault, battery, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress. And violating New York State’s Gender-Motivated Violence Act. Cooper seeks compensatory and punitive damages.
Cooper told The Independent he sought immediate medical attention, undergoing tests for evidence of sexual assault, and filed a police report. The New York Police Department, while declining to comment on the case. Emphasized their commitment to investigating sexual assault allegations thoroughly. No criminal charges have been filed as of now, with the matter remaining a civil lawsuit.
Tisci’s spokesperson vehemently denied the accusations, 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.” Tisci, 50, has not issued further public statements, and his legal team is preparing to contest the claims.
The allegations have sent shockwaves through the fashion world, given Tisci’s high-profile status. Known for dressing celebrities like Madonna, Beyoncé, Rihanna. And Kim Kardashian—whose 2014 wedding dress he designed—Tisci has long been a fixture in elite circles.
His close friendship with supermodel Irina Shayk has also drawn attention, with the duo frequently spotted together at events and collaborating professionally. Shayk, who celebrated her birthday in 2024 with Tisci in a Russian-themed extravaganza, has not publicly commented on the allegations.
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Since stepping down from Burberry in 2022 Tisci has focused on smaller projects including a luxury coffee-table book. And a 2025 Nike collaboration featuring the Mercer handbag. The lawsuit’s timing, coinciding with his re-emergence in the fashion scene, adds complexity to his public image.
As the case unfolds, the fashion industry and Tisci’s celebrity associates await further developments. The allegations, if substantiated, could significantly impact Tisci’s legacy, while his team remains confident in his exoneration.
