Victoria’s Secret models defend company after sexual misconduct petition

'They are the most respectful brand I ever worked with,' says model Lais Ribeiro

Sara Sampaio and Lais Ribeiro at the 2013 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (Getty Images)

Victoria's Secret models Lais Ribeiro and Sara Sampaio have defended the company following the release of a petition calling for the brand to provide its employees with increased protection against sexual misconduct.

On Tuesday, non-profit research and advocacy organisation Model Alliance announced that more than 100 models had signed a letter addressed to John Mehas, chief executive of the lingerie label.

The open letter, which was shared by Model Alliance on Twitter and Instagram, outlined how in recent weeks, "we have heard numerous allegations of sexual assault, alleged rape, and sex trafficking of models and aspiring models".

"While these allegations may not have been aimed at Victoria's Secret directly, it is clear that your company has a crucial role to play in remedying the situation," the letter read.

The letter referenced allegations of sexual misconduct which have been made against photographers Timur Emek, David Bellemere and Greg Kadel, all of whom previously worked with Victoria's Secret.

"We are calling on Victoria's Secret to take meaningful action to protect its talent and those who aspire to work with the company," the letter continued.

"Victoria's Secret has the opportunity to be a leader, to use its power and influence to bring about the changes that are urgently needed in our industry."

Edie Campbell, Iskra Lawrence and Christy Turlington are among the models who signed the online petition.

However, two models who have worked with Victoria's Secret in the past said it was "unfair" that the brand has been directly addressed in the open letter.

"This is so unfair! When I told them about my experience with David [Bellemere] next day he was fired!" Brazilian model Ribeiro commented on Instagram.

"They are the most respectful brand I EVER worked with."

"I think you guys need to get the histories straight first before [you] accuse anybody!" the model added.

Portuguese model Sampaio explained that she believes the letter urging for better protection against sexual harassment should be addressed to models' agents, rather than Victoria's Secret.

"Most of the sexual harassment happens before the photo shoots to models that have never worked with Victoria's Secret by people pretending they work for companies they don't work [for]! How is Victoria's Secret or any company then supposed to protect models that don't work for them?" Sampaio wrote.

"They are already firing photographers that their models complain about. If you actually want to protect models against sexual harassment go after the agents and agencies! Cause they are the main reason models get harassed!!! [sic]"

Several Instagram users counteracted Ribeiro and Sampaio's comments, explaining that the aim of the letter is to raise awareness of the sexual misconduct which is rife throughout the fashion industry, as opposed to solely calling out Victoria's Secret.

One Instagram user stated that the goal of the letter is to encourage a large company such as Victoria's Secret to become "a leader for a healthy environment for all models and aspiring models".

Another wrote that many aspiring models must not be neglected, as many "have suffered so much in all of this".

"Those models need their voices heard and it is time to make changes here," they added.

Signatories of the letter called on Victoria's Secret to sign up to the Model Alliance’s Respect programme, which promises to protect contractors such as models, photographers, agents and vendors against sexual harassment.

The programme, which was launched last year, also has an independent regulator to investigate complaints, as well as providing education and training.

Companies which sign up to the programme promise to make a commitment to its values.

The Independent has contacted Victoria’s Secret for comment.