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Sir Philip Green has ended his legal action against the Telegraph over its accusations of sexual harassment, bullying and racism made against him.
The accusations, which Green denies, came to light when Lord Peter Hain named him in Parliament after an injunction had prevented the Telegraph from identifying the businessman following an investigation.
In a statement released today (28 January) Arcadia said: “Sir Philip categorically denies any unlawful racist or sexual behaviour.
“Sir Philip has been in business for over 45 years and has worked with tens of thousands of people all over the world. He has never before been involved in any complaints or claims like this in his entire career and is not guilty of unlawful sexual or racist behaviour. He has not previously been involved in executing any NDAs of this kind.”
It was revealed last week that Green was demanding the Telegraph to reveal its sources, and accused the newspaper’s “behaviour” of having caused “untold disruption” to Arcadia and its 20,000 employees.
He said the Telegraph had been “doorstepping” employees at night “causing distress and concern to their families”. The Arcadia boss has reported the paper to the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) over this. He has also said the paper liaised with Hain due to the peer being an adviser to Gordon Dadds, the law firm which represented newspaper. Both Hain and the paper have denied this.
A court date had been scheduled for 4 February, but in the statement Arcadia and Green said after “careful reflection” they would no longer continue with proceedings.
The statement said: “After careful reflection, Arcadia and Sir Philip have therefore reluctantly concluded that it is pointless to continue with the litigation which has already been undermined by the deliberate and irresponsible actions of Lord Peter Hain, the paid consultant of the Telegraph’s lawyers Gordon Dadds, and risks causing further distress to the Arcadia’s employees.
“Consequently, Arcadia and Sir Philip will be seeking the court’s permission to discontinue these proceedings.”
