Time now to change: 100 models write to Victoria’s Secret

An open letter signed by more than 100 models is urging Victoria’s Secret to take action to end its “culture of abuse and harassment”.
The letter, which was written by the Model Alliance — a nonprofit organisation that advocates for the protection of models — comes in the wake of a New York Times investigation titled “Angels’ in Hell: The Culture of Misogyny Inside Victoria’s Secret”.
The expose, which was compiled after interviews with more than 30 current and former executives, employees, contractors and models, detailed allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment within the retail giant and claims of retaliation against those who filed complaints.
Now, the advocacy group Time’s Up and more than 100 models, including Amber Valletta, Christy Turlington, Edie Campbell and Iskra Lawrence are demanding action. In an open letter addressed to Victoria’s Secret’s CEO John Mehas, the Model Alliance states that it met with L Brands, the parent company of Victoria’s Secret, five months ago asking “that the company take concrete action to change its culture of misogyny and abuse”. However, “the company refused to act”, the letter claims.
Now, the organisation is calling on Victoria’s Secret to join its RESPECT programme, which is described as an “accountability programme designed by and for models” that requires employees, agents, vendors, photographers and other contractors of signatory companies to follow a code of conduct that protects everyone’s safety on the job”.
L Brands is yet to comment on the matter.