Rihanna named in Gucci racism lawsuit

A former employee was told to 'tax the hell out of' the Barbadian singer, but was it for race reasons?

Marie Claire celebrity photos: Rihanna, A Night to Benefit Raising Malawi and UNICEF hosted by Gucci, New York
Marie Claire celebrity photos: Rihanna, A Night to Benefit Raising Malawi and UNICEF hosted by Gucci, New York

A former employee was told to 'tax the hell out of' the Barbadian singer, but was it for race reasons?

Rihanna has been named in a law suit launched against Gucci by a former employee, who is claiming that she was told to 'tax the hell out of' the singer - for being Barbadian.

Josephine Robinson, a tax lawyer, claims she was asked to find a way to withhold 30 per cent of Rihanna's fee for her Gucci Tattoo Heart campaign in 2008, when her boss discovered she was from the Caribbean.

The former Gucci employee also claims she suffered ‘an unrelenting barrage of racist comments and jokes' from high-level officials, including her boss. After making complaints about the racist behaviour of her co-workers she was sacked.

These claims come as the New York Post obtained details of the lawsuit made by Josephine, who describes herself as a 'dark-skinned West Indian Latina.

Her lawyer stated: 'It is shocking that top level officials of a company as esteemed as Gucci would behave in such an inappropriate manner.'

Marie Claire celebrity photos: Rihanna, A Night to Benefit Raising Malawi and UNICEF hosted by Gucci, New York

Marie Claire celebrity photos: Rihanna, A Night to Benefit Raising Malawi and UNICEF hosted by Gucci, New York

A Gucci spokesperson has hit out at their former employee’s claims, insisting: ‘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.’ 

As of yet, Rihanna has made no comment.

SEE RIHANNA'S STYLE HIGHS AND LOWS

WATCH RIHANNA'S CONTROVERSIAL NEW VIDEO

The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.