Guess’ Marciano quits post-abuse claim

Fashion brand’s probe finds fault with executive chairman

New York, June 13: Paul Marciano, co-founder of the Guess fashion brand, resigned on Tuesday in the wake of an investigation into sexual assault claims. Marciano “exercised poor judgment in his communications with models and photographers and in placing himself in situations in which plausible allegations of improper conduct could, and did, arise,” Guess said in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing.

He has resigned effective immediately from his post as executive chairman but will remain the company’s chief creative officer and receive his salary until January 30 “to effect a smooth transfer of responsibilities,” the filing said.

His salary was forfeited from February 20 to June 11. The decision came after a unanimous vote by the board, from which Marciano and his brother Maurice recused themselves. The brothers cofounded the brand in 1981.

Two independent investigators looked into allegations of “inappropriate comments and texts, and unwanted advances including kissing and groping,” Guess said. It said they interviewed over 40 people and reviewed some 1.5 million pages of documents.

“Many of the allegations could not be corroborated,” the filing added.

Guess and Marciano settled claims with five of the complainants for a total of $500,000. “We are pleased at today’s news... and yet, much more remains to be done if Guess truly wants to be a brand that stands for respect for women,” said lawyer Lisa Bloom, who represented four of the alleged victims.

“All my clients chose to accept this settlement as it was preferable to litigation given the statute of limitations, and because she still retains the right to tell her story one day if she chooses to do so.”

MODEL KATE Upton had accused him of grabbing her breasts and aggressively kissing her.

GUESS AND Marciano settled claims with five of the complainants