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Burberry drops Mario Testino over sexual misconduct claims
More then a dozen male models and assistants accused the acclaimed photographer of harassment
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Burberry is the first British brand to drop fashion photographer Mario Testino in light of sexual harassment allegations.
The 63-year-old photographer has worked with Burberry for more than 15 years on a number of high profile campaigns, including ones starring Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne.
However, after 13 male models and assistants accused the Peru-born photographer of molestation and masturbating in front of them in a New York Times article, the prestigious fashion house has vowed to stop working with him for the foreseeable future.
In a statement, Burberry has said they employ a “zero-tolerance policy against any form of harassment, abuse or discrimination” and will not be working with Testino in light of the claims made against him.
Rumours regarding Testino’s behaviour have been circling for months, so much so that some speculate it’s the reason why the royal photographer was not chosen to shoot the engagement portraits for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, after he took them for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2014.
Testino was formerly a favourite photographer of the royal family, having taken a series of iconic images of the late Princess Diana months before her death.
Acclaimed American fashion photographer Bruce Weber, 71, was also named in the New York Times report as an alleged sexual harasser, and several US brands have banned both photographers from shooting their ad campaigns in the future.
In addition to Michael Kors and Stuart Weitzman, a statement released by Condé Nast said they will not be commissioning any work with either of the two men for now.
Titles managed by the leading publishing house include Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair and W.
While Testino’s team have yet to release an official statement on the claims, a statement from Weber released by his lawyer reads:
“I’m completely shocked and saddened by the outrageous claims being made against me, which I absolutely deny. I have used common breathing exercises and professionally photographed thousands of nude models over my career, but never touched anyone inappropriately.
“Given my life’s work, these twisted and untrue allegations are truly disheartening. I’ve been taking pictures for over 40 years and have the utmost respect for everyone I’ve ever photographed. I would never, ever, try to hurt anyone or prevent someone from succeeding — it’s just not in my character.”
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