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Left: Mario Testino by Walterlan Papetti, CC-BY-SA-4.0 Right: Bruce Weber by Christopher Macsurak, CC-BY-2.0 |
A shocking report published by the New York Times this past Saturday shares a slew of sexual misconduct allegations against iconic fashion photographers Bruce Weber and Mario Testino. The allegations, which both photographers categorically deny, have already convinced Condé Nast to sever ties with Testino and Weber “for the foreseeable future”, and come just as the publisher is finalizing a new Code of Conduct.
Allegations Against Two Fashion Industry Giants
The Times article quotes former assistants and current and former male models who shared sometimes graphic harassment and molestation stories of their photo shoots with Testino and Weber. In light of these allegations, Condé Nast has promised not to commission any new work from either Weber or Testino. The official statement by both Anna Wintour, artistic director of Condé Nast and editor of Vogue, and Bob Sauerberg, CEO of Condé Nast, reads:
We are deeply disturbed by these accusations and take this very seriously. In light of these allegations, we will not be commissioning any new work with Bruce Weber and Mario Testino for the foreseeable future.
Both Weber and Testino vehemently deny the accusations. Weber told the Times in a statement that he is, “completely shocked and saddened by the outrageous claims being made against me, which I absolutely deny,” while Testino’s lawyers “objected to the allegations and called the credibility of the men who said they were harassed into question,” according to the Times.
A New Code of Conduct at Condé Nast
In addition to cutting ties with the two fashion photographers, Condé Nast also announced a new code of conduct today. The code, which the publisher began working on after cutting ties with photographer Terry Richardson—is meant to protect models from sexual harassment and workplace abuse, and will go into effect at the end of the month.
Bob Sauerberg, CEO of Condé Nast, revealed a few of the new “guidelines for vendors” who plan to work with the publisher in the future:
- All models appearing in fashion shoots must be at least 18 years old. The only exceptions that will be made are for subjects appearing as themselves as part of a profile or news story, who will be required to have a chaperone with them on set at all times.
- Alcohol is no longer allowed on Condé Nast sets. Recreational drugs are also not allowed.
- Photographers are no longer permitted to use a Condé Nast set for any work that is not commissioned or approved by Condé Nast.
- Any shoot involving nudity, sheer clothing, lingerie, swimwear, simulated drug or alcohol use, or sexually suggestive poses must be approved in advance by the subject.
Sauerberg expects to release the full code of conduct by the end of the month, at which point he hopes “our colleagues and partners will adopt these or similar recommendations so that each of us involved in the creative process does our part to help ensure a safe and respectful work environment.”
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
