Culture

Allegations Made Against Mario Testino and Bruce Weber by Male Models

January 14, 2018 12:25·
Stuart Weitzman Cuts Ties With Photographer Mario Testino

Stuart Weitzman Cuts Ties With Photographer Mario Testino

This morning, the New York Times reported that multiple male models and assistants have accused photographers Mario Testino and Bruce Weber of sexual misconduct.

Testino, who is a favourite of both the royal family and Vogue, and Weber, who made his name shooting Calvin Klein advertisements, both vehemently denied the allegations.

Testino, who took the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's official engagement photos and was given an honorary OBE in 2014, was accused by 13 male assistants and models of subjecting them to sexual advances. We never had sex or anything, but a lot of things happened.

The men alleged that Weber asked them to undress and touch themselves so he could lead them through so-called breathing exercises. "A lot of molestation".

"I'm completely shocked and saddened by the outrageous claims being made against me, which I absolutely deny", Mr. Weber said in a statement through his lawyer.

Ryan Locke, who was photographed by Testino for a Gucci campaign, told the NYT he recalled other models telling him to tighten his belt before meeting Testino.

"I'm the girl, you're the boy", the photographer allegedly told the model, who said he walked out of the room.

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Lavely & Singer, a law firm that represents Testino, challenged the characters and credibility of people who complained of harassment.

Testino's former assistant, Roman Barrett, accused the photographer of sexual misconduct, describing it as a "constant reality".

The men said that they felt not only violated by the unwanted sexual advances, but that they felt a clear choice between complying and being rewarded with lucrative work or rejecting the approaches and risk having their careers destroyed. Testino's lawyer also responded, claiming that the models The New York Times had spoken to "cannot be considered reliable sources".

The media company also said in a statement on Friday that it would stop working with both Weber and Testino, at least for now.

She announced a new global "Code of Conduct" for contributors to all publications of Vogue's parent company, Conde Nast, for which she serves as artistic director. "In light of these allegations, we will not be commissioning any new work with them for the foreseeable future". Condé told the Times it began working in late October on a code of conduct that will go into effect this month. Alcohol and drugs are banned on set as well as models under the age of 18. The allegations span from the 1990s to the present day, and allege that both photographers used their standing in the fashion world to sexually manipulate, molest, abuse, and coerce the male models they worked with.

Nudity or poses of a "sexually suggestive" nature will be detailed and agreed upon before a shoot.

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