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 by lightning caused by Hurricane Irene in 2011. Branson has stated in a number of interviews that he has been much influenced by non-fiction books. He most commonly mentions Nelson Mandela's autobiography, "Long Walk to Freedom", explaining that Mandela was "one of the most inspiring men I have ever met and had the honour to call my friend." Owing to his interest in humanitarian and ecological issues, Branson also lists Al Gore's best-selling book, "An Inconvenient Truth", and "The Revenge of Gaia" by James Lovelock amongst his favourites. According to Branson's book, "Screw It, Let's Do It: Lessons in Life",