Stars like Kate Upton took aim at Marciano for his behaviour around models in the wake of the #MeToo and Time's Up anti-harassment movements.
- June 13, 2018
AceShowbiz - Fashion mogul Paul Marciano has resigned as the executive chairman at GUESS following allegations of sexual misconduct.
Stars like Kate Upton took aim at Marciano for his behaviour around models in the wake of the #MeToo and Time's Up anti-harassment movements, and now Guess bosses have paid out settlements to multiple women who have accused him of inappropriate behaviour.
A statement from Guess officials, obtained by The Blast, reads: "Mr. Marciano exercised poor judgment in his communications with models and photographers and in placing himself in situations in which plausible allegations of improper conduct could, and did, arise".
Supermodel Upton recently took to Instagram to slam Guess chiefs for attempting to pull off a "stunt" in their sexual misconduct investigation into her allegations against Marciano.
She accused company co-founder Marciano of harassment and assault, claiming he groped her breasts and made inappropriate comments to her during meetings and photoshoots in 2010 and 2011.
An internal investigation was launched by the company in February, with Guess heads forming a special committee to conduct a formal review into the matter, but The Layover actress is convinced the inquiry is bogus, suggesting bosses were just doing it to save face.
"I just learned that Guess hired Paul Marciano's PERSONAL lawyer to run their internal 'investigation'," Upton wrote in a screenshot note on Twitter on 28 February. "I'm truly disheartened to learn that Guess is treating this abuse of power and sexual misconduct (to multiple women) in such a manner".
Upton called the investigation a "stunt" while announcing she has refused to participate as a witness in the inquiry.
"Until Guess makes a commitment to conduct an unbiased investigation, I have declined to participate," she declared. "I look forward to participating if and when Guess retains a truly independent firm to run the entire investigation".
Marciano previously denied all claims of sexual misconduct against him.
