Tisci Sued for Assault, Cites Gender Violence Law

Riccardo Tisci, the Italian fashion designer and former creative director of Burberry and Givenchy, is being sued in New York for allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting Patrick Cooper in June 2024. The lawsuit claims Tisci spiked Cooper's drink at an East Harlem bar, took him to his home, and assaulted him while Cooper was incapacitated and unable to consent. Cooper asserts he awoke naked next to Tisci, sought medical treatment, and reported the incident to police, and says he has suffered severe psychological and emotional distress as a result. Tisci has denied the allegations through his spokesperson, labeling them false and malicious, and vows to clear his name through due process. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages and cites violations of New York’s Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, among other charges. The NYPD has not confirmed an investigation but has reiterated its commitment to thoroughly investigating sexual assault cases.