Diana’s favourite photographer in sex abuse storm
Thirteen models and assistants make lurid claims as he’s dropped by top magazine group
MARIO TESTINO, whose pictures of Princess Diana made him one of the world’s most famous photographers, was last night facing claims he sexually harassed male models.
The men have alleged that Testino, a favourite of the Royal Family, gave them a stark choice: either acquiesce to his advances and receive lucrative advertising work – or risk a ruined career.
According to the New York Times, 13 male assistants and models have claimed he subjected them to advances that in some cases included groping and masturbation.
Anna Wintour, the artistic director of fashion magazine giants Condé Nast, last night called the stories ‘hard to hear’ and ‘heartbreaking’. She added: ‘I believe strongly in the value of remorse and forgiveness, but I take the allegations very seriously, and we at Condé Nast have decided to put our working relationship with [Testino] on hold for the foreseeable future.’
Last night Testino was said to be shocked and dismayed by the allegations. A law firm representing him challenged the credibility of the complainants and said it had spoken to several former employees who were ‘shocked by the allegations’ and ‘could not confirm any of the claims’.
However, his lawyer Andrew Brettler said last night: ‘We are not providing any further comment at this time.’
Peruvian-born Testino learned his trade in London before making his name and working with magazines including Vogue, Vanity Fair and GQ. His relationship with the Royal Family was cemented by his Diana portraits, which led to him taking the official engagement portrait of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and also photos of their daughter Charlotte’s christening.
Known for his charm, Testino, 63, is much loved by celebrities, and has worked with such brands as michael Kors, Burberry and Dolce & Gabbana.
Two models complained about his behaviour during Gucci campaigns in the 1990s, according to the paper.
Jason Fedele said: ‘If you wanted to work with mario, you needed to do a nude shoot at the Chateau marmont [hotel in Los Angeles]. All the agents knew that this was the thing to excel or advance your career.’
Ryan Locke, another Gucci model, reportedly said that, when he mentioned to other models that he was going to meet Testino, ‘everyone started making these jokes – they said he was notorious, and “tighten your belt”.’
Locke said his casting took place at Testino’s hotel. He met photographer in his room, where he opened the door in a loose robe. Locke claimed that on the last day of the shoot, while taking photographs on a bed, Testino said: ‘I don’t think he’s feeling it. Everybody out.’
Locke added: ‘He shuts the door and locks it. Then he crawls on the bed, climbs on top of me and says, “I’m the girl, you’re the boy.” I went at him, like, “You better get away.” I threw the towel on him, put my clothes on and walked out.’
Tom Ford, then the designer for Gucci, told the paper he had not been present. He said he was sympathetic to anyone who had been harassed, but also cautioned that if a photographer needs a shot of a model’s face on a bed, there are very few angles to get it from.
meanwhile, former photographic assistants claimed Testino had a pattern of hiring young, usually heterosexual men and subjecting them to aggressive advances. One, Hugo Tillman, said: ‘I was… asked to massage mario in front of other assistants, models and fashion editors.’
Kensington Palace declined to comment on the allegations.
‘You had to do a nude shoot to work with him’