On October 22, luxury mogul Brunello Cucinelli allegedly made inappropriate physical cotact with actress Liu Tao during a Shanghai event. The incident, caught on film, has ignited a firestorm of criticism on Weibo.
The October 22 Shanghai premiere incident with Liu Tao
Video evidence from the Shanghai event depicts the 73-year-old Brunello Cucinelli engaging in behavior that many observers have labeled as unacceptable. According to the report,Cucinelli was seen holding the inside of actress Liu Tao's arm before pulling her closer to himself and pressing his hand into her chest while directing photographers.
While the 48-year-old Liu Tao appeared to maintain a professional smile during the interaction, her body language suggested she was visibly uncomfortable. Observers noted that her expression became tense immediately after the pair exited the photo wall area, highlighting a disconnect between her public persona and her private distress.
A recurring pattern involving Kim You-jung and Eileen Gu
This controversy in Shanghai appears to be part of a broader trend of alleged misconduct by the fashion mogul. In September, Cucinelli drew criticism for placing his arm around the waist of Korean actress and brand ambassador Kim You-jung during a promotional event. this interaction was widely viewed as intrusive and unnecessary .
The pattern of behavior extends back to February during Milan Fashion Week,where Cucinelli was captured grabbing the hand of Chinese American freestyle skier Eileen Gu. Footage showed him using both hands to lift her hand into the air before she quickly released him. Additionally, the report notes that at the same Shanghai event, Cucinelli allegedly touched actress Chen Duling under the pretext of straightening her dress.
Why The Paper and Hong Kong 01 rejected the "cultural difference" defense
Media outlets in Asia have been vocal in their condemnation, specifically targeting the idea that these actions could be excused by cultural nuances. The state-run Chinese publication The Paper published an editorial arguing that no amount of social status or wealth can place an individual above basic ethical standards.
Similarly, the Hong Kong 01 outlet crriticized the billionaire's conduct, stating that his actions went beyond the boundaries of normal social etiquette. Both outlets emphasized that the responsibility to apologize lies with the individual who crossed the line, rather than the victims who were forced to navigate the inappropriate contact.
The $3.3 billion question: Will Cucinelli's conduct damage his luxury empire?
Brunello Cucinelli, often called the "King of Cashmere," built a massive global empie starting with a $550 loan in 1978. Today,his brand sells garments retailing for up to £4,600, and his personal net worth is estimated at $3.3 billion. However, these recent allegations have cast a significant shadow over the reputation of his luxury house.
As the debate continues on platforms like Weibo, several questions remain regarding the future of the brand's leadership. While the report indicates that Cucinelli has been contacted for comment, he has not yet addressed the specific allegations regarding Liu Tao, Kim You-jung, or Eileen Gu. It remains to be seen whether the fashion house will issue a formal statement to protect its brand legacy from the fallout of its founder's personal conduct.
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