Conde Nast is severing business ties with two other prominent fashion photographers after accusations of sexual misconduct by the two emerged.
This follows the publisher’s public ban of fashion photographer Terry Richardson who is currently under investigation by the NYPD Special Victims Unit.
The #MeToo movement has roiled multiple industries as allegations of sexual misconduct by prominent industry figures reveals a disquieting image of many of the figures and institutions implicated.
While most victims to come forward are female, men are greatly impacted by sexual abuse as well. Male models and assistants who worked with Bruce Weber and Mario Testino in the past accused the photographers of sexual misconduct in a professional setting.
Allegations against Bruce Weber were first made in December 2017. Now, The New York Times reports that 15 male models accuse the photographer of sexual misconduct, each reporting a pattern of “excessive nudity and coercive sexual behavior” according to DIY Photography.
The sexual misconduct allegations involving Mario Testino originate in the 1990s according to The New York Times.
Both photographers made public statements denying the allegations and are represented by lawyers who label the sources as unreliable.
Bruce Weber’s lawyer states that the photographer is “completely shocked and saddened by the outrageous claims” and denies them entirely.
These claims spurred Conde Nast to create a “Code of Conduct” for its future shoots. The standards suggested include:
– All models must be 18 years of age unless dictated by the narrative of the media in which they will appear
– All alcohol and recreational drugs are banned from set
– Photographers can no longer use a Conde Nast set for work not commissioned by or approved by the publisher
– Any photo shoot involving controversial material such as nudity or drug use must obtain prior approval
– Vogue’s artistic director and Vogue’s editor Anna Wintour said she takes the accusations very seriously.
Until the accusations of misconduct are resolved, the publication will freeze its relationships with the accused.
