Beyoncé’s Ivy Park activewear line is one of the lower profile of her many ventures. The two-year old line, available at retailers such as Nordstrom and Foot Locker, among others, will soon be leaving the shelves of English-based fast-fashion juggernaut Topshop. Launched in 2016 with the retailer’s chairman, Sir Philip Green, Ivy Park is now fully controlled by the entertainer, after an acquisition of Green’s 50 percent share.
As we reported in October, English billionaire Green, whose Arcadia retail group includes the Topshop franchise, among other English and internationally known retailers, has recently been at the center of a firestorm of allegations, including multiple accusations of sexual harassment, racially-based abuse, bullying, and misuse of non-disclosure agreements to hide his misdeeds. To date, Green has vehemently denied the accusations, which were made public by a member of British parliament following an extensive investigation by national newspaper the Telegraph. In response, shoppers and employees have protested, calling for boycotts of his brands.
The BBC reports that activists—including Equality Now—had been applying pressure to Beyoncé’s camp to divest from the partnership, pointing out her avowed allegiance to feminist principles.
“Beyoncé has put herself forward as a women’s rights activist. She and her team need to look closely at these allegations,” Equality Now’s Yasmeen Hassan told the outlet in October.
The general presumption is that it was this increasing pressure that compelled Beyoncé to cut ties with Green. However, a statement released by her umbrella company, Parkwood Entertainment, indicated the dissolution may have been in the works for some time.
“After discussions of almost a year, Parkwood has acquired 100% of the Ivy Park brand. Topshop - Arcadia will fulfill the existing orders,” the statement read.
Arcadia confirmed Parkwood’s account, but a representative for Green would not comment further. According to multiple outlets, Beyoncé and her reps could not be reached for further comment.