Sir Philip Green has hired the US attorney who represents Kevin Spacey to defend him in Arizona after a Pilates instructor alleged he had repeatedly touched her inappropriately.
The 67-year-old Topshop owner was charged with four counts of misdemeanour assault after Katie Surridge told police he spanked and grabbed her during classes at the Canyon Ranch resort in Tucson in 2016 and 2018.
The mother-of-three claimed Sir Philip “vigorously” slapped her bottom up to 10 times during the first encounter in January 2016.
To defend himself, the retail mogul has reportedly enlisted the services of Alan Jackson, a Los Angeles attorney who is this week represented Spacey in court where Oscar-wining actor is facing charges of indecent assault and battery of an 18-year-old porter.
Sir Philip has “strenuously” denied the allegations made by Ms Surridge. The Croydon-born entrepreneur has also denied claims he slapped female staff members’ bottoms.
A spokesperson saying he is “disappointed” the charges have been lodged.
Pima County Attorney’s Office said last week that Sir Philip had been charged with four counts of knowingly touching another person with the intent to injure, insult or provoke.
Deputy county attorney Lauren Deakin said: “Each count has a potential sentence of up to 30 days in the Pima County jail, a fine of not more than $500 (£390) US dollars, and up to one year of probation.”
An arraignment date has been set at Pima County Justice Court for 19 June.
The charges, which court records show were lodged last weel, come during a turbulent time for Sir Philip and his company Arcadia.
If the retail giant fails to gain the approval of 75 per cent of its creditors it is likely to be put into administration, putting hundreds of stores and thousands of jobs at risk.
A crunch meeting with Arcadia brands’ landlords has been adjourned for a week.
Shopping centre owner Intu told the company this week, that it will not back turnaround proposals to slash rents and close around 50 stores.
Lord Peter Hain, who last year used parliamentary privilege to name Sir Philip as the businessman at the centre of a court injunction over sexual harassment claims, claimed last week that “hundreds” of grievances had been lodged against him.
Sir Philip said: “How sad somebody who already has proven they’re prepared to abuse the system wants to continue to behave in this manner.”
