NEW YORK: In a detailed expose published in the New York Times, high-powered fashion photographers Bruce Weber and Mario Testino were accused of molestation, sexual advances, and unnecessary nudity.
In patterns that went on for years, the young men, including some who were given anonymity, said the photographers put them in uncomfortable sexual situations and they felt pressured to accept out of fear of furthering their careers.
Lawyers for both photographers denied the allegations and said that the pair was surprised and dismayed by the claims. Neither Weber, Testino nor their accusers could immediately be reached for further comment.
“We never had sex or anything, but a lot of things happened. A lot of touching. A lot of molestation.” quoted model Robyn Sinclair as saying of Weber.
Sinclair was among 15 current and former male models who described harassment by Weber, 71, whose fashion clients have included Calvin Klein and Abercrombie & Fitch.
Through his lawyers, Weber denied the accusations in a statement saying: “I‘m completely shocked and saddened by the outrageous claims being made against me, which I absolutely deny.”
Testino’s law firm, Lavely & Singer, challenged the credibility of his accusers and said it had spoken to former employees of Testino who said they were shocked by the allegations and could not confirm any of them.
Allegations against Testino, 63, who has worked for fashion brands including Michael Kors, Burberry and Dolce & Gabbana, were made by 13 male assistants and models in accounts going back to the mid-1990s.
Following the allegations, Burberry, Michael Kors, and Stuart Weitzman have vowed not to work with Testino again.
A statement by Burberry read, “We take allegations of this nature very seriously. Burberry is committed to providing a just, safe and fair working environment and we have a zero-tolerance policy against any form of harassment, abuse or discrimination. The safety, security and welfare of the people with whom we work is a priority for Burberry and we seek to ensure all our partners adhere to our principles and policies and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.”
Similarly, Michael Kors said, “We recently learned of the allegations concerning Mario Testino. In light of the seriousness of these accusations, we will not be working with Mr Testino on future advertising campaigns.”
Conde Nast artistic director Anna Wintour said the magazine company had suspended any future work with the two photographers, whom she described as personal friends.
“I believe strongly in the value of remorse and forgiveness but I take the allegations very seriously and we at Conde Nast have decided to put our working relationship with both photographers on hold for the foreseeable future,” Wintour, who is also editor in chief of Vogue magazine, said in a statement.
Multiple accusations of sexual misconduct against male actors, film-makers and agents have roiled Hollywood since October 2017. The scandal has also engulfed men in US politics, business and the workplace, inspiring a widespread #MeToo social movement by victims of sexual harassment or abuse.
