Mario Testino & Bruce Weber’s Careers Implode Amid Sexual Exploitation Claims
This article originally appeared on InStyle.co.uk
Is ‘Time Up’ for Mario Testino and Bruce Weber?
Following a New York Times investigation, super snappers Mario Testino and Bruce Weber have been accused of sexual misconduct towards a number of male models.
Fifteen current and former male models, who have worked with the two photographers, turned to the newspaper to air their allegations. The men detail a number of occasions where either Mario or Bruce coerced them into sexual behavior or forced them into unnecessary nudity during photo shoots.
One recalled being asked to undress and participate in ‘breathing and energy exercises’ where models on set were asked to touch themselves and Bruce Weber, himself. Weber, it is claimed would often guide the hands of his victims.
Ryan Locke, a model who worked with Testino on a number of Gucci campaigns described the photographer as, ‘a sexual predator.’ The accounts date back as far as the mid 1990s and also include claims made by former assistants with one, Roman Barrett, claiming sexual harassment was a ‘constant reality,’ working with Mario Testino.
Within his career Mario became a regular photographer for the Royal Family and a number of famous publications whilst Weber’s infamous Abercrombie & Fitch campaigns made him a photographic icon. Mario Testino even received an honorary OBE for his services to photography and charity.
Bruce Weber has since replied to these claims via his lawyer, stating, “I’m completely shocked and saddened by the outrageous claims being made against me, which I absolutely deny.” Mario Testino’s law firm, Lavely & Singer have also sought to deny the claims by challenging the characters and credibility of Testino’s accusers.
However following the accusations Vogue and Conde Nast have released a statement saying they will not work with the men, ‘for the foreseeable future.’ In a further personal statement Anna Wintour claimed she was ‘deeply disturbed,’ by the allegations.
