Gucci Family Heiress Reveals "Stepfather Sexually Abused Me Since Age 6... Biological Mother and Maternal Grandmother Covered It Up"

Lawsuit Filed in California Court, USA

Luxury brand Gucci store established by the Gucci family. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] An heiress of the luxury brand Gucci family has filed a lawsuit claiming she was sexually abused by her stepfather from childhood to her early twenties.

The US media outlet 'The New York Times' (NYT) reported on the 10th (local time) that Alexandra Zarini, the late Aldo Gucci's granddaughter, filed a lawsuit in a California court alleging that she was sexually abused by her stepfather Joseph Ruffalo during her childhood. Zarini also claimed that her biological mother neglected the situation despite being aware of it.

Zarini stated that the sexual abuse by her stepfather began when she was six years old and continued until she was 22. The stepfather reportedly touched Zarini's body parts and exposed his own body to her.

Zarini's biological mother, Patricia Gucci, and grandmother, Bruna Palombo, reportedly urged her to "keep the secret and not tell anyone" regarding the sexual abuse.

Furthermore, when Zarini announced her plan to reveal the sexual abuse and file a lawsuit, her biological mother and grandmother threatened to strip her of her inheritance rights in the Gucci family.

In an interview with the NYT, Zarini said, "Even if I win this lawsuit and receive financial compensation, it will be less than the inheritance amount," but added, "After deducting attorney fees, the remaining amount will be used to establish a foundation to prevent child sexual abuse."

Meanwhile, the Gucci family stepped away from management in 1993 when Zarini's great-uncle Maurizio Gucci sold his shares to an investment company.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.