Photo: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
Over 100 models have come togetherto sign an open lettertoVictoria’s SecretCEO John Mehas, urging “the company take concrete action to change its culture of misogyny and abuse.”
“We write today becauseThe New York Timesinvestigative report ‘Angels in Hell: The Culture of Misogyny Inside Victoria’s Secret’ shows that the culture ofmisogyny, bullying and harassment at Victoria’s Secretis even more egregious and more entrenched than previously understood,” the letter said.
“TheTimesreports repeated complaints ofinappropriate conduct towards modelsand employees: body shaming, lewd remarks, crotch-grabbing, retaliation for rebuffing advances, unauthorized use of models’ images and pressures to pose nude without pay for a photographer’s personal shoots,” it went on.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Victoria’s Secret storefront.Bob Levey/Getty Images
The letter goes on to allege that “it was made abundantly clear that Victoria’s Secret does not take these complaints seriously” after the Model Alliance met with L Brands CCO Tammy Roberts Myers last September.
“In a follow-up email she told us that Victoria’s Secret was not ready to take any concrete steps towards addressing these allegations — rather, the company is simply, ‘in the process of continued learning and listening,’ ” the letter said. “In the face of thehorrifying revelations from the past year, this response is utterly unacceptable.”
“The time for listening is long past; it’s time for Victoria’s Secret to take action to protect the people they profit from,” it read. “Human rights violations can’t be stopped with a corporate re-branding exercise.”
In a statement to PEOPLE, an L Brands spokesperson shared: “We absolutely share a common goal with Model Alliance to ensure the safety and wellbeing of models. Our robust Photo Shoot Procedures, including training and oversight, were implemented in May 2019 and reflect elements of the RESPECT Program and beyond. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and remain committed to continuous improvement. We’re always open to engage with those looking to make improvements in the industry.”
According toThe Wall Street Journal, Wexner is looking to sell Victoria’s Secret and step down as CEO.
The letter shares that the Model Alliancecreated the RESPECT accountability programbecause they “envision an industry in which creative expression flourishes and everyone can work without fear of harassment or abuse” and believe “in safety, freedom to work without fear of harassment, and real consequences for abusers,” alleging that “Victoria’s Secret’s failure to create an environment of accountability, both in-house and in their interactions with a network of agencies and creatives, undermines these values.”
2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.David Fisher/Shutterstock
RELATED VIDEO: Here’s How the Internet Is Reacting to the 2019 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Cancellation
Razek denied the allegations against him (includingthat of a lewd commenthe made aboutBella Hadidin 2018) in an email to theTimes, claiming that they’re “categorically untrue, misconstrued or taken out of context” and adding, “I’ve been fortunate to work with countless, world-class models and gifted professionals and take great pride in the mutual respect we have for each other.”
“We are always concerned about the welfare of our models and want to continue to have dialogue with the Model Alliance and others to accomplish meaningful progress in the industry,” a representative from Victoria’stold PEOPLE in a statement at the time, in response to the Model Alliance’s August letter.
The annualVictoria’s Secret fashion show was canceled last yearamid ongoing controversy about the lack of body diversity on the runway.
source: people.com
