Famed photographers stand accused of sexual misconduct

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Bruce Weber and Mario Testino say  they are dismayed and surprised by the allegations. — AP
Bruce Weber and Mario Testino say they are dismayed and surprised by the allegations. - AP

New York - Fifteen current and former models told the Times that Weber's demands often occurred during photo shoots and other private sessions.

By AP

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Published: Sun 14 Jan 2018, 10:00 PM

Last updated: Mon 15 Jan 2018, 12:31 AM

In a sweeping new sexual misconduct investigation, The New York Times reported on Saturday that several male models have accused famed photographers Bruce Weber and Mario Testino of unwanted advances and coercion.
Fifteen current and former models told the Times that Weber's demands often occurred during photo shoots and other private sessions. Thirteen assistants and models accused Testino, the Times reported.
"I remember him putting his fingers in my mouth, and him grabbing my privates," model Robyn Sinclair said of Weber. "We never had sex or anything, but a lot of things happened. A lot of touching. A lot of molestation."
Models were asked to "breathe" and to touch themselves and Weber, moving their hands wherever they felt "energy", the newspaper said. Weber often would guide the models' hands with his own, the newspaper reported.
Weber's racy advertisements for Calvin Klein, Abercrombie & Fitch and other companies helped turn him into a star in commercial and fine art photography.
Testino, adored by celebrities, glossy magazines including Vogue and younger members of the British royal family, was accused of groping and making sexual come-ons, the newspaper said. Allegations against both date back many years, with accusers in some cases recounting details with remarkable consistency, the Times said.
Representatives for both photographers said they were dismayed and surprised by the allegations.
"I'm completely shocked and saddened by the outrageous claims being made against me, which I absolutely deny," Weber said in a statement from his lawyer.
The law firm Lavely & Singer, representing Testino, challenged the character and credibility of people who complained of harassment.
Model Ryan Locke worked with Testino on Gucci ad campaigns and called him a "sexual predator". He told the Times that when he told other models he was going to meet Testino for a possible casting "everyone started making these jokes - they said he was notorious, and 'tighten your belt'".
A tale of unwanted advances, coercion
> Bruce Weber and Mario Testino of have been accused of unwanted advances and coercion.
> Models claim incidents occurred during photo shoots and other private sessions.
> Weber's ads for leading brands helped turn him into a star.
> Testino is liked by celebrities, glossy magazines and younger members of the British royal family.
> Allegations against them date back many years.


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