Brunello Cucinelli faces backlash over physical contact with actresses

Italian luxury brand founder Brunello Cucinelli is facing online criticism following video footage of him making physical contact with Chinese actress Liu Tao during a brand event in Shanghai on the 22nd of last month. The controversy has resurfaced past footage of Cucinelli with South Korean actress Kim You-jung, prompting debates over physical boundaries at official events.

Brunello Cucinelli, the founder of the Italian luxury brand Brunello Cucinelli, has been embroiled in controversy following allegations of inappropriate physical contact while posing for photos with a Chinese actress. As video of the incident spreads online, footage of a past event featuring South Korean actress Kim You-jung is also drawing renewed attention. Questions are being raised as to whether the actions were mere expressions of friendliness or excessive contact made regardless of the other person's intent.

On the 28th of last month, Hong Kong media HK01 and China's The Paper reported that allegations were raised regarding inappropriate physical contact by Cucinelli while taking photos with Chinese actress Liu Tao. The video in question was reportedly filmed during a brand event held in Shanghai, China, on the 22nd of last month.

In the video, after greeting Liu Tao, Cucinelli placed his hand on her shoulder before moving his hand toward her waist. During this process, a moment was captured where his hand appeared to touch the side of her chest. While Liu Tao was seen turning her body away or stepping back, Cucinelli continued to hold her in a manner that wrapped around her body while the photo was being taken.

As the video spread, online criticism emerged regarding the degree of contact and the reaction of the individual involved. Specifically, critics pointed out that even during photo sessions at official events, an attitude of observing the other person's will and discomfort regarding physical contact is necessary. However, it is difficult to conclude the intentions of the parties or the entirety of the situation based solely on the scenes captured in the video.

The controversy has extended to past event footage of South Korean actress Kim You-jung. This follows a scene where Cucinelli was captured wrapping his arm around Kim You-jung's waist as they moved together during a previous Brunello Cucinelli brand event. While Kim You-jung maintained a smile and waved toward the camera, some netizens expressed discomfort as the video resurfaced, questioning if the continuous contact near her waist was excessive.

Various interpretations have emerged regarding Kim You-jung's expressions and actions at the time. Some argue that her smiling and waving at the camera does not necessarily mean she accepted the physical contact comfortably, while others suggest caution, stating that one should not conclude she felt discomfort based only on the released footage. Ultimately, critics point out that the core of the controversy lies not in speculating on a specific person's expression, but in how physical distance and the consent of others should be respected during official meetings.

Chinese actress Chen Duling, who also attended the same event in Shanghai, drew similar interest as footage was released showing her posing in close proximity to Cucinelli. As scenes of him with various actresses are shared in succession, Cucinelli's method of physical contact at public events has itself become a subject of online debate.

Brunello Cucinelli is the founder of the representative Italian luxury fashion brand. This controversy is prompting reflections on the relationships between founders and celebrities at brand events, as well as the etiquette required in official settings. As of now, the brand has reportedly not released any official position regarding the allegations.

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