Riccardo Tisci Accused of Assault: A Fashion Powerhouse Faces Dark Allegations
Fashion’s shadow just got darker. Riccardo Tisci — the Italian designer once dubbed the gothic prince of high fashion — is facing a lawsuit that could shake the industry to its core. Known for dressing the likes of Beyoncé, Madonna, and Kim Kardashian, Tisci has now been accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a man in New York City.
A Night in Harlem, A Lawsuit in Manhattan
According to a lawsuit filed this week with the New York Supreme Court, Patrick Cooper claims he met Tisci for the first time on June 29, 2024, at a Harlem restaurant. He alleges that during dinner, Tisci drugged his drink without his consent. Cooper says he was later taken to Tisci’s home, where he was prevented from leaving and sexually assaulted while unconscious.
Cooper told The Independent that he woke up disoriented and immediately went to a hospital, where he underwent a rape-kit exam and then contacted the police. “To this day, I still don’t remember anything,” he said.
Tisci, through a rep, has denied all allegations: “These allegations are categorically untrue… Riccardo looks forward to clearing his name.”
From Fashion Royalty to Legal Storm
Tisci isn’t just any designer — his influence runs deep in pop culture and fashion history. From reviving Givenchy with dark romance to redefining street-luxe at Burberry, he’s long been the go-to for celebs who crave edge. His circle includes Madonna, Marina Abramović, and Beyoncé (whom he’s dressed for five Met Galas). Oh, and he literally put Kim Kardashian on the fashion map — designing her Met debut and her wedding dress.
So this lawsuit? It’s more than just shocking — it’s a gut punch to an industry that’s still grappling with abuse-of-power reckonings.
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Fashion’s Reckoning Continues
The case echoes a growing chorus of accountability in the world of luxury and celebrity. Though legal proceedings are still pending and Tisci is presumed innocent until proven guilty, fans and fashion insiders alike are watching closely. Will the industry stand by him, stay silent, or cut ties?
For now, Tisci has kept a low profile since his Burberry exit in 2022, focusing on niche art collabs and a coffee-table book project. But this case could define what comes next — not just for him, but for the fashion world’s response to power, consent, and justice.
🕵️♀️ Scoop Hunters, if you’ve got tea on this case or Tisci’s inner circle, hit the inbox. Anonymity always respected.
