Mango vice chairman Jonathan Andic, the son of the late founder of the fashion empire, has denied allegations that he was involved in his father’s death after being arrested in Spain as part of the on-going investigation.
In an open letter to employees published on Tuesday, Andic described the accusation as ‘serious, unjust and unfounded’ and announced he would temporarily step aside from his role on the company’s board in order to focus on his legal defence.
‘A public narrative has been created based on a view that is biased, distorted and taken out of context, which has created a perception of guilt that has nothing to do with reality,’ said Andic, 45, in his first public statement since the case emerged.
‘I make this decision sadly, but convinced that it is what’s best for the company and for me … I need to concentrate all my energy on demonstrating my innocence.’
The case centres on the death of Isak Andic, who died on 14 December 2024 after falling while hiking with his son in the Montserrat mountain range near Barcelona. He was 71. ALSO READ: Founder of Spanish fashion brand Mango, dies in accident, aged 71.
Authorities initially concluded the incident was an accident. However, prosecutors reopened the case in October 2025, with investigators later focusing their attention on Jonathan Andic. ALSO READ: Family of Mango founder insists on son’s innocence amid Spanish media reports of homicide probe.
He was detained last week before being released on bail set at €1 million. ALSO READ: Son of Mango founder detained after investigation into fatal mountain fall reopened.
According to the judge overseeing the case, investigators cited the allegedly ‘bad relationship’ between father and son, linked to Jonathan’s supposed ‘obsession … with money’, as part of the evidence supporting the inquiry.
In his letter, Andic said the loss of his father had already been ‘deeply painful’ before being compounded by what he called ‘the most serious, unjust and unfounded accusation a person can face’.
‘I have always deeply loved my family, and especially my father,’ he said.
‘We also had difficult and complicated moments, which we overcame with great effort, generosity and help.’
Born in Istanbul, Isak Andic moved to Barcelona with his family from Turkey as a teenager during the late 1960s.
He went on to launch the first Mango store in 1984 alongside his older brother Nahman, building the brand into one of the world’s biggest fashion retailers.
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Jonathan Andic deja la vicepresidencia de Mango temporalmente para priorizar su defensa https://t.co/jptnT4Kgg8 pic.twitter.com/VOy25dRIqM
— Europa Press TV (@europapress_tv) May 26, 2026
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