Condé Nast Cuts Iconic Fashion Photographers Bruce Weber, Mario Testino amid Sex Harassment Claims

Two of the most world-renowned fashion photographers have been dropped by Vogue publisher Condé Nast following allegations that the photographers sexually harassed male models.

New allegations published by the New York Times this week included claims from 15 male models that Weber, famous for his nude black and white campaign ads, sexually coerced or exploited them during photo shoots.

“I remember him putting his fingers in my mouth, and him grabbing my privates,” said the model Robyn Sinclair. “We never had sex or anything, but a lot of things happened. A lot of touching. A lot of molestation.”

Likewise, at least 13 male models and former assistants to Mario Testino told the New York Times that the famous photographer — known for his portraits of Princess Diana, Madonna, Kate Moss, and the British Royal family — allegedly coerced them into sexually explicit behavior.

“He was a sexual predator,” said Ryan Locke, who succeeded Mr. Fedele with Gucci.

Mr. Locke said that when he told other models that he was going to meet Mr. Testino, “everyone started making these jokes — they said he was notorious, and ‘tighten your belt.’”

Now, with the allegations against both photographers, Vogue Editor-in-Chief and Condé Nast Artistic Director Anna Wintour — a close friend of both Weber and Testino — announced that the publishing firm would be cutting ties with the photographers, as well as implementing a new set of guidelines.

“I believe strongly in the value of remorse and forgiveness, but I take the allegations very seriously, and we at Condé Nast have decided to put our working relationship with both photographers on hold for the foreseeable future.”

The new guidelines at Condé Nast photoshoots include mandating that all models be at least 18-years-old, a full ban of all alcohol on sets, as well as requiring that photographers notify models ahead of a shoot that they will have to appear nude.