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More than 50 models have spoken to the Boston Globe about sexual misconduct, implicating even more big-name fashion figures on the heels of revelations of alleged sexual harassment by wildly-influential lensmen Bruce Weber and Mario Testino. Among those named in the latest round of #MeToo call-outs are well-known photographer Patrick Demarchelier, and Greg Kadel, who has shot for the likes of Victoria’s Secret and Vogue, as well as famed stylist Karl Templer, whose clients include Alexander Wang, Sacai, Valentino, Ralph Lauren, Coach, Dior, Tommy Hilfiger, and Zara.
According to the Boston Globe, “Models also identified photographers Andre Passos and Seth Sabal, who often did test shoots that models usually pay for themselves to build their portfolios.”
“Collectively, these models — predominantly females, although also males — made credible allegations of sexual misconduct against at least 25 photographers, agents, stylists, casting directors, and other industry professionals,” per the Globe. “In many instances, Spotlight reporters verified the accounts with third parties or examined records such as e-mails.”
The Globe’s exposé notes that “all of the accused men denied the allegations against them, and many complained that they can’t fully defend themselves when the Globe protects the identities of alleged victims, including by not always disclosing names, dates and locations to them.”
Nevertheless, glossy magazine empire Conde Nast, whose company includes Vogue, had said it has stopped working for now with Demarchelier and Kadel.
The Globe said one of Demarchelier’s former assistants complained about relentless sexual demands, to which she eventually submitted, fearing that she would otherwise endanger her position. Six other women accused the now 74-year-old Frenchman of unwanted advances, including thrusting a model’s hands onto her genitals and grabbing another model’s breasts, the Globe said.
Demarchelier did not immediately respond to an AFP request to comment. He was, however, quoted by the Globe as saying the complaints against him were untrue. “People lie and they tell stories,” he said.
The Globe said some models wanted to expose serial predators while others wanted new legal protections and radical reform in an industry they say left them feeling exploited.
UPDATED (October 21, 2018): Months after the publication of the aforementioned article, Templer, denying any accusation of sexually untoward behavior, and his counsel are said to be going back and froth with lawyers for the Globe.
According to WWD, lawyers for the Globe stated in a letter to Templer’s counsel that the paper “stands behind all of its reporting in that article.” The Globe’s counsel stated that “the article did not assert or imply [that Templer had “coerced or tried to coerce models to engage in sex or sexual activities” with him], nor did it report that Mr. Templer attempted to have or had sex with any models. Any claim that the Globe accused Mr. Templer of such conduct is entirely unfounded.”
With that, the Globe held firm that its article will not be amended or retracted in any way.