More Problems For Victoria’s Secret: Sexual Misconduct Allegations Surface

Struggling retailer Victoria’s Secret is under fire for the treatment of its fashion models. A report by The New York Times detailed claims that extend from misogyny and bullying to sexual harassment.

In the report, accusations were specifically made against Ed Razek, who has stepped down from his role as the company’s president and chief marketing officer in August 2019. The report cited allegations of misconduct by Razek against the company's models such as bullying, lewd comments, and sexual harassment.

Parent company L Brands (LB) CEO and founder Leslie Wexner, who is considering retirement, was notified of the misconduct, but some women, who did come forward with claims reportedly lost their jobs as Victoria’s Secret models.

One of the models that was tied to accusations against Razek included Bella Hadid, which sources for the news outlet said they were present when inappropriate comments were made towards her during a 2018 fashion show fitting.

According to The New York Times, Razek watched as Hadid was fitted for underwear to make the look more TV appropriate, which the sources said he commented, "Forget the panties.”

Razek was also accused of discussing Hadid’s breast calling them “perfect,” and according to three sources for the news outlet, he allegedly touched another model’s crotch through her underwear during the same fashion show fitting. Hadid has since ended her relationship with Victoria’s Secret, opting to join Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty lingerie brand.

Victoria’s Secret canceled its annual fashion show in November 2019 as it looked to transform its image and appeal to a more diverse and empowered customer base. The retailer has struggled with sales losses as L Brands considers a sale of the brand.

Shares of L Brands were down 1.64% as of 12:24 p.m. EST on Monday.