MIDTOWN — Four Seasons co-owner Julian Niccolini groped a woman and ripped open her bra during a party at the restaurant last month, prosecutors charged Wednesday.
Niccolini, 62, was accused of sexually assaulting the 28-year-old woman on May 9 at the famed eatery on East 52nd Street. The woman repeatedly told Niccolini to stop and was trying to break free while he tried to lift the bottom of her dress and pull down her stockings, according to the Manhattan District Attorney's office.
The woman suffered scratch marks on her back and bruises on her hip, according to the criminal complaint.
“I am not guilty,” Niccolini told reporters after being released without bail after his arraignment at Manhattan Criminal Court, The New York Times reported. “I look forward to being back to work tomorrow.”
Friends of Niccolini, who asked not to be named, defended the flamboyant restauranteur, and questioned how an alleged incident at a crowded party celebrating French Burgundy wines could go unnoticed by dozens of revelers and employees standing nearby.
The friends maintain whatever may have occurred was consensual.
The victim is a friend of one of Niccolini's network of business associates, sources say.
Law enforcement sources also pointed out that the NYPD arrest was made without consultation with the Manhattan District Attorney's office.
Niccolini is reportedly known for engaging in playful banter with high-profile people at the eatery.
The Times once referred to him as Julian "Naughty" Niccolini in a story.
"The New York Times called me Naughty Niccolini but I'm actually very sweet," he posted on his Twitter profile.
Prosecutors charged the restaurateur with felony sexual abuse and he was released without bail.
He is due back in court on Aug. 31.
Niccolini’s lawyer, John Moscow, declined to comment when reached by phone Thursday.
