A shocking and deeply personal legal battle involving the Gucci family took a dramatic turn in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
Alexandra Gucci Zarini, the great-granddaughter of fashion house founder Guccio Gucci, has decided to drop her civil lawsuit against her mother, Patricia Gucci, while continuing her case against her alleged abuser, former stepfather Joseph Ruffalo.
The Allegations and Legal Action
Zarini, 40, a designer herself, claims that Ruffalo, 85, subjected her to years of sexual abuse starting when she was just six years old and continuing into young adulthood.
Initially, she also sued her mother for negligence, accusing Patricia Gucci of turning a blind eye to the abuse.
However, during proceedings at Los Angeles Superior Court, it was announced that the claim against her mother had been dropped.
Her attorney, Julie Gerchik of Glaser Weil, read a joint statement prepared with Patricia Gucci: “We have decided to end the lawsuit and move forward with our lives. We wish each other peace and joy.”
Court Confirms Focus on Ruffalo
Judge Michael Small addressed over 100 potential jurors, emphasizing that Patricia Gucci was no longer part of the lawsuit.
“You should not speculate on why she is no longer involved.
The plaintiff’s case will now proceed against Joseph Ruffalo,” he said.
Patricia Gucci has consistently denied her daughter’s allegations, describing them as an attempt to extort money from the family.
Zarini’s mother and grandmother, Bruna Palombo, were both previously accused of shielding Ruffalo, but Palombo’s name has since been removed from the case.
Family History and Background
The Gucci family’s history is intertwined with the fashion empire, though they have not been involved with the brand since 1993.
Alexandra’s grandfather, Aldo Gucci, was the eldest son of Guccio Gucci, who founded the luxury company in Florence, Italy, in 1921.
Patricia Gucci married Ruffalo, a former music manager known for working with Prince and Earth, Wind & Fire, in 1993, and they lived together in Los Angeles until 1998. She left him after Alexandra disclosed the abuse.
Zarini’s Courage and Advocacy
Zarini first filed legal proceedings in 2020 and went public with her story four years ago, highlighting the lack of protection she received.
In a video statement, she said:
“As hard as this is for me, I feel it is my duty to expose the misconceptions about child sexual abuse and to raise awareness that every single day we as a society are failing to protect the most vulnerable and innocent among us, our children.
When I was abused, I had no one to protect me, no one to save me, and no one who did anything about it.
This is far too common. There needs to be accountability for those people who look away.”
According to court filings, Ruffalo allegedly engaged in sexual abuse including exposing himself and inappropriate contact, while Zarini’s mother and grandmother allegedly prioritized avoiding scandal over her safety.
Statements from Patricia Gucci
Patricia Gucci has publicly expressed sorrow for her daughter’s suffering while denying the allegations against herself and her mother.
“I immediately initiated divorce proceedings against Mr. Ruffalo and set about healing my family through counseling,” she said.
Continuing Case Against Ruffalo
Zarini’s attorney, Gary Dordick, confirmed that an agreement had been reached between his client and her mother but declined to provide details.
Dordick emphasized that Zarini still seeks justice against Ruffalo, saying:
“My client wants her day in court and wants a jury to hear the abuse she suffered throughout her childhood.
The trauma has left tremendous scars, but she is doing well under the circumstances.”
Jury selection for the case against Ruffalo is expected to begin on Thursday.
Advocacy and Legacy
Beyond her legal pursuit, Zarini has founded the Alexandra Gucci Children’s Foundation, dedicated to combating sexual abuse against children, turning her painful experiences into advocacy and support for other survivors.