Retail magnate pays millions to gag former staff
Retail tycoon Sir Philip Green reportedly paid millions of pounds in an attempt to suppress allegations of sexual and racial harassment.
The billionaire businessman is said to have made several substantial payouts to former staff members under non-disclosure agreements.
He has threatened to sue any ex-employees who flout the agreements.
Sir Philip also faces a £3m bill as a result of his failed legal battle to prevent the Daily Telegraph printing the claims against him.
Details of the allegations made headlines around the world after Sir Philip discontinued a court injunction preventing publication of claims regarding five former employees.
There were also calls on social media for him to be stripped of his knighthood.
The allegations include alleged harassment and bullying at his retail firm Arcadia Group, which owns Topshop. The 66-year-old is alleged to have groped a senior female executive and called her a “naughty girl”. The woman is understood to have received a payment of more than £1m.
A black employee was allegedly mocked for having dreadlocks and told he was “still throwing spears in the jungle”.
Another female staff member was said to have been dragged around in a headlock.
Sir Philip – who has strenuously denied the allegations – took out an injunction last August but was named in the House of Lords by Labour peer Lord Hain.
The case had been due to be heard next week.