Major Controversies Surrounding Richard Branson: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Richard Branson—discover key moments of controversy.

Richard Branson is a prominent English business magnate and the co-founder of the Virgin Group in 1970. Known for his adventurous spirit and flamboyant personality, Branson has built a diverse empire encompassing various sectors, including airlines, music, telecommunications, and space tourism. He is celebrated for his unconventional business strategies, risk-taking ventures, and commitment to social and environmental causes. Branson's entrepreneurial journey exemplifies innovation and disruption, making him a globally recognized figure in the business world.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1971: Tax Evasion Conviction

In 1971, Richard Branson was convicted for tax evasion and briefly jailed for fraudulently obtaining export documents for records to be sold on the domestic market to avoid paying Purchase Tax.

1971: Questioned in connection with selling of records

In 1971, Richard Branson was questioned in connection with the selling of records declared as export stock and later agreed to repay unpaid purchase tax and a fine.

2004: Execution of Yen May Woen

Richard Branson spoke out against the death penalty, referring to the 2004 execution of Yen May Woen in Singapore.

June 2006: Tip-off led to investigation of price-fixing

In June 2006, a tip-off from Virgin Atlantic led British and American competition authorities to investigate price-fixing attempts between Virgin Atlantic and British Airways.

August 2007: British Airways fined over price-fixing allegations

In August 2007, British Airways was fined £271 million over price-fixing allegations, following a tip-off from Virgin Atlantic.

October 2007: Virgin Group's Bid for Northern Rock

In October 2007, Virgin Group sought to acquire Northern Rock, offering Branson 30% ownership and a name change to Virgin Money. The bid faced opposition due to Branson's past tax evasion conviction.

June 2008: Plans to Pay GPs for Referring NHS Patients to Virgin Services Abandoned

In June 2008, plans to compensate general practitioners for referring National Health Service patients to private Virgin services were discontinued. The BMA cautioned that this scheme could undermine clinical objectivity.

September 2008: Plans to Take Over NHS Practice in Swindon Abandoned

In late September 2008, plans for Virgin to take over a National Health Service (NHS) practice in Swindon were abandoned.

August 2012: InterCity West Coast Franchise Awarded to FirstGroup

In August 2012, the re-tendered InterCity West Coast franchise was awarded to FirstGroup, prompting concerns from Branson regarding the tender process and the validity of FirstGroup's business plan.

December 2013: Urged Boycott of Uganda

In December 2013, Richard Branson urged companies to boycott Uganda because of its "anti-homosexuality bill", stating that it would be against his conscience to support the country.

2013: Declared "Tax Exile"

In 2013, Richard Branson described himself as a "tax exile", having saved millions in tax by ending his mainland British residency and living in the British Virgin Islands.

2014: Criticism for failure to meet pledge

As of 2014, Naomi Klein criticised Branson for contributing "well under $300 million", far below his originally stated goal. She also stated that Virgin airlines' greenhouse gas emissions increased considerably in the years following his pledge.

2015: Letter in Support of Richard Glossip

In 2015, Richard Branson released a letter in support of the American prisoner Richard Glossip on the day he was due to be executed.

2016: Criticism for Tax Status

In 2016, John McDonnell echoed Branson's 2013 statement, amid calls for his knighthood to be revoked due to his tax status.

November 2017: Sexual Assault Claim

In November 2017, Antonia Jenae claimed that Richard Branson sexually assaulted her at Necker Island by "putting his head between her cleavage and making boat engine noises". A spokesperson for Branson denied the claims.

October 2018: Suspension of Advisory Role from Saudi Tourism Project

In October 2018, Richard Branson suspended his advisory role from Saudi Arabia's biggest Red Sea tourism project following the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

March 2020: Criticism During COVID-19 Pandemic

In March 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Branson and Virgin faced criticism for asking staff to take unpaid leave. Branson offered Necker Island as collateral for a loan to save Virgin Atlantic.

2021: Called to Halt Execution of Nagaenthran K. Dharmalingam

In 2021, Richard Branson was among the public figures who called on Singapore to halt the execution of Nagaenthran K. Dharmalingam, a Malaysian drug trafficker.

October 2022: Invitation to Debate Singapore's Drug Policy

In October 2022, the Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs invited Richard Branson to Singapore for a live televised debate on Singapore's approach towards drugs and the death penalty, which he rejected.

April 2023: Protested Against the Execution of Tangaraju Suppiah

In April 2023, Richard Branson protested against the upcoming execution of Tangaraju Suppiah, a 46-year-old Singaporean found guilty of trafficking cannabis.

July 2023: Appeal for Mercy on Saridewi Djamani's Behalf

Before the execution of Saridewi Djamani on July 28, 2023, Richard Branson appealed for mercy on Saridewi's behalf; Saridewi was the first female offender to be executed in Singapore in 19 years.

February 2025: Spoke out in Support of Toforest Johnson

In February 2025, Richard Branson used his social media accounts to draw attention to the case of Toforest Johnson, an American death row prisoner, encouraging his followers to listen to the podcast Earwitness.