WEBER, TESTINO ACCUSED OF ABUSE
Young men who have worked with top fashion photographers Bruce Weber and Mario Testino have complained of nudity and molestation
Male models and assistants who worked with high-powered fashion photographers Bruce Weber and Mario Testino have accused them of molestation, sexual advances and unnecessary nudity, The New York Times reported recently.
The young men revealed that the photographers put them in uncomfortable sexual situations — in patterns that went on for years — that they felt pressured to accept out of fear of upending their careers.
Lawyers for both the photographers denied the allegations. Neither Weber, Testino nor their accusers could immediately be reached for further comment.
“We never had sex or anything, but a lot of things happened. A lot of touching. A lot of molestation,” the Times quoted model Robyn Sinclair as saying of Weber. Sinclair was among 15 current and former male models whom the newspaper said described harassment by Weber, 71.
Through his lawyers, Weber denied the accusations, saying: “I’m completely shocked and saddened by the outrageous claims being made against me, which I absolutely deny.”
Testino’s law firm challenged the credibility of his accusers and said it had spoken to former employees of Testino who said they were shocked by the allegations and could not confirm any of them, The Times said.
Allegations against Testino, 63, were made by 13 male assistants and models in accounts going back to the mid-1990s.
Multiple accusations of sexual misconduct against male actors, filmmakers and agents have roiled Hollywood since October 2017. The scandal has also engulfed men in US politics, business and the workplace, inspiring a widespread #MeToo social movement by victims of sexual harassment or abuse.
Following The Times’ report, Conde Nast artistic director Anna Wintour said the magazine company had suspended any future work with the two photographers, whom Wintour — who is also editor in chief of Vogue magazine — described as personal friends.