NEW YORK (AP) — Guess Inc. says that co-founder Paul Marciano will give up his day-to-day responsibilities at the clothing company until a sexual misconduct investigation is completed.
Model and actress Kate Upton told Time magazine earlier this month that Marciano forcibly grabbed her breasts during a Guess photo shoot nearly eight years ago. She also says that he harassed her by showing up at hotels she was staying at and texting her inappropriate comments.
Models Natalie Pack, Kara Del Toro, GUESS Foundation president Paul Marciano, models Olga Caro and Kristina Schlesinger attend the GUESS Foundation and Peace Over Violence Denim Day Cocktail Event at at MOCA Grand Avenue on March 22, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ari Perilstein/Getty Images for GUESS)
Co-founder of Guess? Inc. Paul Marciano (L) and recording artist Aloe Blacc attend the GUESS and Peace Over Violence celebration of the 15th anniversary of Denim Day at GUESS? Inc. Headquarters on April 23, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images for GUESS?)
Marciano has denied the allegations.
Guess, based in Los Angeles, says that Marciano will not be paid while he steps aside. He is an executive chairman of the company’s board, and is its chief creative officer.
Marciano, who co-founded the brand with his brother in 1981, also owns a 17 percent stake in Guess.