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Beyoncé is being pressured to withdraw from a commercial partnership with Sir Philip Green after the retail tycoon was accused of sexual harassment, bullying and racial abuse.
The singer’s sportswear line, Ivy Park, is sold at Topshop, one of the chains owned by the Arcadia Group, of which Green is chairman.
Now, activists are calling on the performer to axe the successful collaboration in response to the allegations against the 66-year-old businessman.
Speaking to The Independent, broadcaster Jasmine Dotiwala explains why Beyoncé’s brand is at odds with Green’s alleged misconduct, which he strongly denies.
“Her brand is all about empowering women and marginalised communities, particularly speaking up for black community issues. Thus, the two don’t sit well.
“Brands should consider very carefully the reputation of those they get in bed with.”
Yasmeen Hassan, of campaign group Equality Now, agrees, telling The Sunday Times: “Beyoncé has put herself forward as a women’s rights activist. She and her team need to look closely at these allegations.”
Nimco Ali, co-founder of Daughters of Eve, which campaigns to end female genital mutilation, added: “Beyoncé should say ‘I don’t want to work with Philip Green’.”
According to The Daily Telegraph, who were initially unable to name Green after he had been granted an injunction, five former employees have accused the Topshop owner of “bullying, intimidation and sexual harassment”.
He was identified on Friday in parliament by Lord Peter Hain, who used parliamentary privilege to make the claim.
Green is currently at a spa resort in Tucson, Arizona and told the Mail on Sunday that he had a good relationship with his employees, insisting that he had engaged in nothing more than “banter” with his staff.
“If anything I’ve said has caused offence, I’m happy to apologise,” he added.
“Nothing I’ve said was ever meant to be offensive.”
The Independent has contacted Topshop for comment.
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