Magazine victims fear to be identified

THE fashion magazine at the centre of a sexual harassment scandal has said it cannot guarantee the anonymity of the alleged victims.

i-d magazine last week suspended Max Clark, a senior fashion editor, after women came forward claiming sexual misconduct.

He allegedly sent numerous unsolicited messages of a sexual nature, including pictures of intimate body parts, and repeatedly “begged” a junior staff member to sleep with him after “forcing himself ” into her taxi.

Mr Clark denies all the allegations.

i-d’s parent company, Vice Media, launched a formal investigation, initially telling the women their identities would be protected if they gave evidence.

However, The Daily Telegraph has been told that many are now reluctant to take part after receiving emails from Vice’s lawyer in New York which said anonymity could not be guaranteed.

Vice said that while it would never reveal the names of any women, it might have to put specific facts to Mr Clark as part of the investigation which could suggest the identity of the complainant.

One alleged victim said that even if this was the case, the disquiet caused by the emails might advantage the company if it put women off giving evidence.

Vice was heavily criticised for its handling of a previous sexual abuse scandal in 2017.

“They should have thought about their wording better, because it’s not reassuring, and Vice don’t have a reputation for being the side of victims of sexual harassment cases,” she said.

“To a young girl in her early 20s who didn’t study law, she’s going to take it as ‘Oh they’re not going to keep me anonymous’. It’s difficult for girls to come forward in the first place.”

A spokesman for the company, said: “Whilst we strive for anonymity – we have to communicate to those coming forward this cannot be 100 per cent guaranteed.

“None the less, we are confident that at all times, now and in the future, we will handle this matter delicately and with the utmost care and sensitivity.”