Rihanna Named in Gucci Racism Lawsuit.Josephine Robinson, a former Gucci employee, has named Rihanna in a lawsuit she opened up against the company for alleged racist conduct. While Robinson was working on the singer's spokesperson contract in 2008, she claims that her boss, international tax counsel Stan Sherwood, subject her to "an unrelenting barrage of racist comments and jokes at her expense."
She says Rihanna, who is from Barbados, wanted her appearance fee without US taxes withheld. But that "when Sherwood discovered that Rihanna was from a Caribbean island, he told Robinson to 'tax the hell out of her' and find a way to allow Gucci to withhold 30 per cent of her fee." Rihanna has yet to respond, but a Gucci spokesperson says:
Ms. Robinson's allegations are completely baseless, and the company will defend itself vigorously against this meritless litigation. The company is confident that it will prevail.
Robinson, who according to the NY Post is a "dark-skinned West Indian Latina," is seeking $5 million in damages. She also says Gucci fired her last year after she complained about her treatment.
It'll be interesting to see how this plays out. Next steps in the case have yet to be determined.
Source: Vogue UK and NY Post
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