Richard Branson and other sea life in captivity for entertainment purposes. In November 2017, singer Antonia Jenae, a backing singer for Joss Stone, claimed Branson sexually assaulted her at Necker Island. A spokesperson for Branson confirmed to "The Sun" newspaper that members of the band had been invited for a party on the island in 2010, but that he and friends and family in attendance had "no recollection" of the events. Branson later apologised. In November 2010, Branson secured a sponsorship deal from controversial company QNet for his Virgin Racing which is owned by QI Group head by Vijay Eswaran, who is
Richard Branson wildlife poaching and trafficking. Branson is an opponent of the death penalty, stating: "the death penalty is always cruel, barbaric and inhumane. It has no place in the world." The U.S. is one of the few countries that practiced the death penalty in 2015, and on 30 September 2015 Branson released a letter in support of American inmate Richard Glossip on the day he was due to be executed, buying an ad in "The Oklahoman" newspaper which had advocated the execution. Branson stated the evidence against Glossip was flawed and that "every person is deserving of a fair trial", adding: