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Home / Business

Joss Stone backing singer accuses Sir Richard Branson of sexual assault

Daily Mail
27 Nov, 2017 06:15 PM3 mins to read

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Sir Richard Branson is accused of inappropriate behaviour to singer Antonia Jenae. Photos Getty Images, Facebook

Sir Richard Branson is accused of inappropriate behaviour to singer Antonia Jenae. Photos Getty Images, Facebook

A backing singer for Joss Stone has accused Sir Richard Branson of "putting his face in her cleavage" during a party at his luxurious Necker Island resort.

Antonia Jenae, 44, claims the Virgin boss made an "engine boat noise" as the incident happened, the Daily Mail reported.

It is said to have taken place seven years ago after Sir Richard, 67, invited Miss Stone and her band over to the island after they played the Go Green festival in Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.

Jenae claims the Virgin boss went over to her and put his face in her breasts. Photo / via Facebook
Jenae claims the Virgin boss went over to her and put his face in her breasts. Photo / via Facebook

Speaking to the Sun, Jenae, from Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, said: "His behaviour was disgusting. I feel like it was sexual assault.

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"We were by the bar and he was saying bye to everyone. He came up to me and put his face in my breasts.

"He went 'brrrrrr' and just walked away. It was surreal, totally out of the blue. Joss and I were like, 'What the hell was that?!' Everyone was wondering why I wasn't angry because I'm usually a firebrand. But I was just too shocked."

She adds that he also "tried to get her to show him her boobs" as they lounged by the pool but she refused.

A representative for Stone last night declined to comment.

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A statement from a Virgin Management spokesman said: "Joss Stone, members of her family and her band were invited to Necker Island in June 2010. Everyone appeared to enjoy their time on the island.

"Richard has no recollection of this matter and neither do his family and friends, who were with him at the time. There would never have been any intention to offend or make anyone feel uncomfortable in any way and Richard apologises if anyone felt that way during their time on the island."

And Stone's father, Richard Stoker, who was on the island at the time, said: "Joss and the group had a wonderful afternoon on Necker Island, everybody entered into the party spirit and it was wonderful getting to know Richard and his family."

Joss Stone with backing singers. Photo / via Facebook
Joss Stone with backing singers. Photo / via Facebook

Jenae's claims come after Sir Branson admitted attempting to 'flirt' with Formula 1 ace Jenson Button's ex Jessica Michibata while drunk at a party.

Sir Richard addressed the incident in his own autobiography Finding My Virginity, and said the incident led to him giving up alcohol for six months.

He writes: "Jenson and his girlfriend were sitting at the next table, enjoying a far quieter evening as he had to race the next morning.

Jenae said: "His behaviour was disgusting." Photo / via Facebook
Jenae said: "His behaviour was disgusting." Photo / via Facebook

"By contrast, through a mixture of tiredness, jetlag and drink, I soon found myself very, very inebriated. This wasn't like me; I can't remember ever getting that drunk before or since."

He admits to walking over to the couple's table and telling Ms Michabata "how gorgeous she was".

"Jenson understandable took offence and I decided to retreat quickly from the table (thankfully, we smoothed it out)."

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