Key facts
- Superdry co-founder James Holder was jailed for eight years for rape.
- The victim, identified as Gemma, worked for Holder at the time of the attack.
- The rape occurred in May 2022 after Holder entered the victim's taxi uninvited.
- Gemma returned to work days after the assault, describing Holder's behavior as if nothing had happened.
- Holder had previously worked for Superdry before launching a new business.
Superdry co-founder James Holder has been sentenced to eight years in prison for raping a woman who worked for him. The victim, referred to as Gemma, described the harrowing experience of returning to work just days after the attack to face Holder, her boss.
Holder, 54, committed the sexual assault in May 2022 after uninvitedly entering Gemma's taxi following work drinks. The court heard the incident was a "despicable piece of sexual violence." Gemma recounted feeling fear and dread upon returning to a new business Holder had launched after his departure from Superdry in 2016.
She stated that Holder's demeanor upon her return was as if nothing had occurred, highlighting his "controlling" behavior and a work culture of "high alert." Gemma believes Holder's actions were enabled by a perceived power dynamic and misogynistic culture within the fashion industry, where senior figures often exploit their positions.
Following the liquidation of Holder's business shortly after the incident, Gemma felt empowered to report him, as the direct threat to her livelihood was removed. Detective Constable Elle MacLeod of Gloucestershire Police noted that Gemma's actions may have prevented further victims. A spokesperson for Superdry confirmed Holder resigned in 2016 and had no further consultancy work after 2019, stating the case relates to an incident long after his involvement with the company ended.