A Gucci heiress has been awarded $115 million in damages in a 'landmark' ruling after winning a lawsuit against her 'sexual predator pedophile' former stepfather, who she said abused her for years beginning when she was six years old.
The sensational case brought by handbag designer and children's advocate Alexandra Zarini, 40, caused a massive rift among descendants of the luxury fashion house.
Her mother Patricia Gucci, 62, filed for divorce from second husband, Joseph Ruffalo, 85, in 2007 after her daughter came forward with shocking allegations against him.
On Tuesday, a Los Angeles Superior Court jury of six men and six women took two hours and 40 minutes to find Ruffalo liable for sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
A single tear ran down Zarini's left cheek as the unanimous verdict was read out in Department 57.
