A MULTI-millionaire Brit businessman has been granted a gagging order preventing the media from naming him after he was accused of #MeToo-style sexual harassment - because of his "fame".

The leading establishment figure - identified only as Mr X - agreed substantial settlements for the female staff before the claims could be heard in an employment tribunal.

2 A leading Brit business figure accused of sexually harassing female staff cannot be named, a judge has ruled Credit: Getty - Contributor

2 A judge has said that Mr X's fame means the allegations against him would be widely reported - which could hurt his reputation Credit: Getty - Contributor

Among the sordid allegations, the women claimed they were groped, forcibly kissed and assaulted by the powerful millionaire, The Times reports.

One woman claimed the businessman had forced his mouth on hers and touched her breast.

He then orally raped her a year later in his private office, the woman alleged.

She said: "My eyes were closed and I was paralysed with fear, terrified, disorientated and used like a rag doll, totally incapacitated and unable to escape...

"[He] went on to tell me how much he cared about me and then in the next breath that 'if I kept my mouth shut' I could remain employed and he would look after me."

I can confidently say that he has been the worst employer I have experienced in my 38-year working life Senior manager

Another woman claimed he had groped her breast and asked her for a "cuddle".

He also tried to force his tongue into her mouth on two occasions in 2017, she claims.

He reportedly told her: "I know I shouldn't do things like that but it's only that I care for you" - before handing her a £20 note.

A male junior manager claims Mr X "forcibly shaved" him in front of his work colleagues after ranting about his beard.

And a senior manager working under Mr X said: "I can confidently say that he has been the worst employer I have experienced in my 38-year working life."



NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS

Mr X - who has been married several times and has adult children - agreed to give the women substantial sums if they withdrew their claims.

They also had to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) - preventing them from discussing their allegations in public.

A senior judge ruled last month to maintain reporting restrictions against identifying Mr X - who has strong political and society connections.

Mr Justice Soole said Mr X's "honour and reputation" overruled the principle of open justice.

'FAME' A FACTOR

The judge added that Mr X's "fame" should be taken into consideration - because the allegations would likely be reported.

That would risk "family members, charity supporters, investors and acquaintances" finding out about the claims, the judge added.

The businessman has always denied the claims against him.

His solicitor had argued that Mr X's "advanced age, the strain of the proceedings and his bafflement at the allegations" meant he should not be named.

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The solicitor also presented arguments about "the prominence both of his family and of his role in public life; the effect of the publication of his allegations on his wife and adult children; his business interests; and his work for a range of good causes."

Gagging orders have been used by disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein to silence staff who made allegations.

Sir Philip Green also used a gagging order to stop employees going public with claims about his behaviour.

Sir Philip Green grabbed women's breasts and slapped their bottoms at work, Lord Hain says

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