After pressing a Chinese actress’s chest ... “Kim You Jung was also subjected to it”: controversy over Italian luxury founder’s “wandering hands” grows

[Financial News] The founder of Italy’s top high-end luxury brand, Brunello Cucinelli, a billionaire designer, has been embroiled in allegations that he repeatedly engaged in inappropriate physical contact with famous Asian actresses.
On the 2nd, according to Chinese-language media including China’s The Paper, Hong Kong 01 and Taiwan’s TVBS, as well as social media such as X (formerly Twitter), Cucinelli’s inappropriate behavior was repeatedly caught on camera at an official brand event held in Shanghai, China, on the 22nd of last month.
Standing at a photo wall in front of reporters, Cucinelli repeatedly wrapped his hand around the inner part of Chinese top actress Liu Tao’s upper arm as he guided her. Liu was wearing a sleeveless dress. Footage also captured what appeared to be Cucinelli pressing the center of her chest with his hand as he directed her where to move.
In the video, Liu Tao could not hide her discomfort: she turned sideways or hunched her shoulders, trying to keep her distance. She kept smiling in front of the cameras, but the moment she left the photo wall, her expression hardened, prompting sympathy.
Cucinelli’s excessive touching extended to another actress. He grabbed the arm and put an arm around the waist of Chen Duling, another Chinese actress who attended that day. His bold touching of her under the pretext of straightening the hem of her dress also drew criticism.
As the controversy spread, a past episode involving a Korean actress was recalled. A video of actress Kim You Jung, who had attended an event for the same brand in Hong Kong, was reshared on online communities. In the video, Cucinelli kept an arm around Kim You Jung’s waist, almost embracing her throughout their walk, and appeared to lightly pat her or slide his hand downward. The behavior drew frowns from Korean netizens.
Chinese media outlets issued fierce criticism. In a commentary, state-run outlet The Paper said, “A high-profile business leader clearly crossed the line with actresses,” and condemned him, adding, “Cultural differences must not be used as a shield against allegations of sexual harassment. No matter how high someone’s social status is, they cannot stand above the basic ethical standards that must be upheld as a human being.” It went on to point out, “The ones who should apologize are certainly not the victims who tried to avoid him by keeping their distance.”
The global fashion magnate, whose assets are estimated at around $3.7 billion (about 5 trillion won), is listed in Forbes’ billionaire rankings. Yet he has been accused of repeatedly using his position of power to touch others without their consent. To date, Brunello Cucinelli himself and the brand have remained silent despite mounting demands for an explanation.
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