Woman raped by Superdry co-founder was forced to return to work with him

2 Jul 2026 • 12:48 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Woman raped by Superdry co-founder was forced to return to work with him

  • Superdry co-founder James Holder was jailed for eight years in May for raping a woman, Gemma* (not her real name), in her Cheltenham home in 2022.
  • Gemma revealed she was forced to return to work with Holder days after the attack, describing his actions as a 'power trip' stemming from his position of power.
  • The assault occurred after work drinks when Holder entered Gemma's taxi uninvited, then her home, where he later pulled her onto her bed and raped her despite her repeated pleas.
  • Initially hesitant to report him due to his industry prevalence, Gemma proceeded after his business went into liquidation, leading to his unanimous conviction four years later.
  • Gemma hopes her experience empowers other women to report sexual assaults and stated she wants Holder to be remembered as a rapist, emphasising that the responsibility for the attack was entirely his.

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