Vogue and GQ owners, Condé Nast have ended their working relationship with two photographers after male models alleged sexual abuse.
Mario Testino, 63, and Bruce Weber, 71, have had any future commissions cancelled by the media giant, Condé Nast. The two photographers have been accused of the sexual misconduct of a number of male models.
The claims were reported by New York Times and contain allegations dating back to the 1990s.
Both Weber and Testino have denied any wrong-doing, with both saying that they were “shocked” by the claims against them.
Weber said, “I’m completely shocked and saddened by the outrageous claims, being made against me, which I absolutely deny”.
Testino’s lawyers, according to NYT “challenged the characters and credibility of people who complained of harassment”.
Models and assistants described to the NYT a “pattern of what they said was unnecessary nudity and coercive sexual behaviour”.
Anna Wintour, the artistic director of Condé Nast, released a statement confirming that commissions for the two world-famous photographers, saying, ”
“We are deeply disturbed by these accusations and take this very seriously. In light of these allegations, we will not be commissioning any new work with Bruce Weber and Mario Testino for the foreseeable future.”
Condé Nast has changed its code of conduct and new rules surrounding photoshoots have been updated to include, that models must be over 18, a strict no drugs or alcohol rule and models must approve shoots that include nudity, sheer clothing or undergarments.
