Kate Upton said on Wednesday she will not cooperate with an internal investigation by apparel brand Guess into alleged sexual harassment by its co-founder Paul Marciano because she says that the company has hired his personal attorney to handle the probe.
‘I just learned that Guess hired Paul Marciano’s PERSONAL lawyer to run their internal “investigation”,’ the supermodel and former Guess pitchwoman wrote on her Instagram account on Wednesday.
‘I’m truly disheartened to learn that Guess is treating this abuse of power and sexual misconduct (to multiple women) in such a manner.
‘I shared my story to help create long-term change at the highest levels of the industry and corporate ladder.
Kate Upton (seen in New York last week) said on Wednesday she will not cooperate with an internal investigation by apparel brand Guess into alleged sexual harassment by its co-founder Paul Marciano
The supermodel wrote on her Instagram page that the company has hired Marciano’s personal attorney to oversee the probe
‘I also wanted to empower others to share their stories to stand up for change – whether as a victim of or as a witness to this behavior.
‘I want to say thank you to those who have been brave enough to speak out as well.
‘Hearing how this “investigation” is being conducted, and also knowing a strong fear of retaliation still exists within Guess’ corporate offices, is extremely disappointing and upsetting.
‘The #MeToo movement is not one of smoke and mirrors, or for corporate office PR stunts to impress shareholders – it’s a call to action for TRUE change.
‘To conduct an investigation like this seems like a stunt, and is a clear indication to me that Guess is not taking these claims seriously, nor are they committed to making changes at the highest levels.
Marciano (seen with Upton second from right with two other unidentified women) has denied the allegations
‘Until Guess makes a commitment to conduct an unbiased investigation, I have declined to participate.
‘I look forward to participating if and when Guess retains a truly independent firm to run the entire investigation.’
Last month, Upton went public with allegations that Marciano groped her in July 2010 shortly after she began to work for the label.
‘After the first day of shooting the Guess Lingerie campaign [on July 25, 2010], Paul Marciano said he wanted to meet with me,’ she told TIME.
‘As soon as I walked in with photographer Yu Tsai, Paul came straight up to me, forcibly grabbed my breasts and started feeling them — playing with them actually.
‘After I pushed him away, he said, “I’m making sure they’re real”.’
Upton also alleged that Marciano asked a photographer who was in the room to leave so that he could be alone with Upton.
‘I was able to send a quick text to Yu Tsai asking him to stay. He did, but that did not stop Paul’s constant grabbing,’ the Sports Illustrated cover girl said.
‘I was extremely shaken, surprised and scared.’
Yu Tsai ‘corroborated details of her allegations,’ according to TIME.
Last week, Marciano announced that he was stepping down from his day-to-day responsibility as creative director at Guess pending the results of the investigation.
Marciano told PEOPLE that Upton’s allegations were false.
‘The claim that I groped Kate Upton the first time I ever met her and in front of dozens of people in a busy hotel lobby is preposterous,’ he said.
Last month, Upton went public with allegations that Marciano groped her in July 2010 shortly after she began to work for the label
‘I have never been alone with Kate Upton.
‘I have never touched her inappropriately. Nor would I ever refer to a Guess model in such a derogatory manner.’
Marciano added: ‘I fully support the #metoo movement.
‘At the same time, I will not allow others to defame me and tarnish my reputation.
‘I have pledged to Guess and its Board of Directors my full support and cooperation with a fair and impartial investigation.’
Shortly after Upton went public with her allegations, a former model told The Blast that Marciano sexually assaulted her during a private meeting.
The model said the incident took place in 2016. She alleged that Marciano watched her undress and ‘reached over and pulled by breast out of the dress and said, “At least you still have your boobs”.’
Guess said it conducted its own investigation of the woman’s allegations and found that the ‘claims did not have merit.’
Marciano has denied the allegations as well.
In 2009, Marciano was sued by a woman named Lindsey Ring, who worked for Guess as a fit model.
According to the lawsuit, Marciano ‘began to create a hostile work environment for Ms. Ring by making sexual comments to her, repeatedly touching her inappropriately and without her consent, and attempting on at least two occasions to fondle her sexually after taking her to a private area at the worksite, all of which was offensive to Ms. Ring and would have been offensive to any reasonable person.’
The lawsuit was eventually dismissed after the two sides reached a confidential settlement.