Fury in China as billionaire Italian fashion tycoon Brunello Cucinelli is accused of groping actress's breast during film premiere

Published: 08:21 EDT, 4 November 2026 | Updated: 08:32 EDT, 4 November 2026 Fashion billionaire Brunello Cucinelli has come under fire over accusations he groped an actress's breast during a premiere of his documentary. The alleged incident involved Chinese actress Liu Tao and occurred at the promotional event in Shanghai on October 22.Footage shows Mr Cucinelli holding the inside of Ms Tao's arm before pulling her closer towards him. The 73-year-old fashion house founder then presses his hand across and into Ms Tao's chest while directing her to photographers posed to capture attendees of the event. A clip of the interaction went viral on Chinese social media, including Weibo, often described as the Twitter of China, with debates sparked over whether it was inappropriate. It comes mere months after Mr Cucinelli, who is worth an estimated $3.3billion (£2.45billion), drew controversy for putting his arm around Korean actress and brand ambassador Kim You-jung's waist.The latest alleged incident took place at the premiere of Brunello: The Gracious Visionary, a biographical docudrama film about Mr Cucinelli's life and career as a fashion designer.Chinese media reported that while Ms Tao, 48, kept a professional smile on, her body language suggested discomfort. Brunello Cucinelli is captured pressing his hand across and into Ms Tao's chest while directing her to photographers poised to capture attendees of the event Footage shows Mr Cucinelli holding the inside of Chinese actress Liu Tao's arm in Shanghai at the promotional of the tycoon's documentary Mr Cucinelli is pictured posing for photos at Milan Fashion Week in SeptemberReports said Ms Tao appeared to try and keep some distance between the pair. Her expression is said to have become visibly tense immediately upon exiting the photo wall.At the exact same Shanghai event, Mr Cucinelli allegedly faced further criticism for grabbing the arm of Chinese actress Chen Duling, putting his arm around her waist, and touching her under the pretext of straightening the hem of her dress. As the controversy snowballed online, past incidents involving the fashion tycoon were brought to the fore. In September, Mr Cucinelli was accused of placing his arm unnecessarily close to the actress Ms You-jung's waist as they walked together at a Mr Cucinelli event. Meanwhile, the Italian fashion tycoon has also faced criticism over claims he had been inappropriate with Chinese American freestyle skier Eileen Gu. While attending Milan Fashion Week in February, Mr Cucinelli was captured holding onto Ms Gu's arm as they posed for photographs. In the clip, he then grabbed her left hand with both of his and lifted it into the air before Ms Gu quickly released it.Local outlet Hong Kong 01 condemned Mr Cucinelli's behaviour last month, saying it clearly went beyond normal social etiquette. South Korean Actress Kim You-jung attended Paris Fashion Week in October Olympic medalist Eileen Gu is pictured at a Dragon Boat Festival on June 19, 2026In an editorial, state-run Chinese outlet The Paper lambasted the billionaire's actions – and said it shouldn't be excused over 'cultural differences'.'A business tycoon clearly crossed the line with actresses,' it wrote. 'Cultural differences must not be used as a shield for allegations of sexual harassment. No matter how high one's social status, it cannot place one above the basic ethical standards one must uphold as a human being.'It added: 'The ones who should apologise are certainly not the victims who tried to avoid him by keeping their distance.'Known as King of Cashmere, Mr Cucinelli built his empire from scratch. He dropped out of engineering school and used a $550 (£407) loan in 1978 to launch his first line of brightly coloured cashmere sweaters. They now retail at up to £4,600.Brunello Cucinelli has been contacted for comment.