Models of Victoria’s Secret insist the CEO to Take Action Against Sexual Abuse and Misconduct

More than 100 models who have worked with Victoria’s Secret so far have signed an open letter which is addressed to the CEO of the company – Mr. John Mehas. In the letter, they have penned down an appeal that is calling for action to protect the models, prevent them from sexual abuse and misconduct.

Renowned models like Caitriona Balfe, Christy Turlington and Doutzen Kroes are actively supporting the concern and have also signed the letter. To strengthen the support, organizations like TIME’S UP and the Model Alliance have showed interest in signing the letter as well.

The letter addressed to CEO reads as follows: – “Today we are writing to express our concern for the safety and wellbeing of all the models and young women who have an aspiration to model for Victoria’s Secret. Unfortunately we have heard numerous allegations of sexual assault, alleged rape, and sex trafficking of models and aspiring models in the past few weeks. Though these allegations may not have been aimed directly at Victoria’s Secret, but it is clear that your company has a crucial role to play in remedying the situation,” 

The letter mentioned allegations against wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein who was arrested on July 6 as against sex trafficking charges. Epstein pleaded not guilty to accusations he ran a trafficking operation involving underage girls.

Epstein has many powerful friends including President Trump, former President Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew.

The models have designed a non-profit legal agreement in 2018 which they call “RESPECT Program” with the goal of ending abuse in the fashion industry. The letter on the whole encourages the Victoria’s Secret brand to cooperate in their mission with the following note: – “We are requesting Victoria’s Secret to take a meaningful action in order to protect its talent and those who aspire to work with the company. Being a leader Victoria’s Secret can use its power and influence to bring about the changes that are urgently needed in our industry.”

The letter was concluded with this statement – “Fashion brands, publishing companies, and agencies do set norms every day of what’s acceptable and what’s not in fashion. Victoria’s Secret can help our industry chart a new path forward by taking a stand against these abuses and commit to meaningful change by joining the RESPECT Program.”