Now Beyonce severs her business links to Philip Green after harassment claims
BEYONCE has cut business ties with Sir Philip Green by buying back his share in their clothing venture, it was revealed last night.
The US singer launched fashion sportswear brand Ivy Park with the disgraced Topshop tycoon in 2016.
But she has faced calls to pull out of the multimillionpound collaboration after Green was accused of bullying and sexual harassment.
The 66-year-old was named in the Lords last month as the businessman at the centre of a row over allegations of inappropriate conduct and nondisclosure agreements.
The billionaire, who owns the Arcadia Group, vigorously denies the allegations of unlawful sexual or racist behaviour, saying any remarks had been ‘banter’.
Beyonce’s Parkwood company has bought Green’s share of Ivy Park for an undisclosed sum. Talks about the deal predated the recent furore, parties insisted last night.
An Ivy Park spokesman said in a statement: ‘After discussions of almost a year, Parkwood has acquired 100 per cent of the Ivy Park brand. Topshop/Arcadia will fulfil the existing orders.’ It follows news that music mogul Simon Cowell has severed his links with Green.
When it was announced in 2014 that Beyonce was teaming up with Green to produce Ivy Park – named after Blue Ivy, her six-year-old daughter with husband Jay-Z – she said: ‘I have always loved Topshop for their fashion credentials and forward thinking.’
That year Green was pictured with his arm around her at the opening of Topshop’s New York store. But their friendship dated from far earlier – she sang at his son Brandon’s bar mitzvah in 2005.
Ivy Park was previewed at Topshop’s Oxford Street store in April 2016. At the time, Beyonce, who is estimated to be worth £258million said: ‘My goal with Ivy Park is to push the boundaries of athletic wear.’
Ivy Park items were still being advertised on Topshop’s website yesterday, including a £42 sweatshirt, a £149 bomber jacket, £139 joggers and a £20 sleeveless tank top. It is understood they will remain available in-store. The range is also sold via Selfridges, Asos, JD Sports and Voisins.
‘Push the boundaries’