For decades, Victoria's Secret has been regarded by many women as a definition of femininity. The company's catalogs and fashion shows were among the most talked about. The models called Angels gained significant international fame. But a New York Times investigation revealed a darker side of the company with women's bullshit, contempt, prejudice and sexual harassment. The prestigious US investigation included interviews with more than 30 current Victoria's Secret executives, former employees, employees, partners, models and court documents.
Ed Razek, for decades one of L Brands' top executives, the parent company of Victoria's Secret, has been the subject of repeated complaints of inappropriate behavior. He tried to kiss the models and asked them to sit on his lap.
Executives said they had warned Leslie Wexner, the founder and CEO of L Brand, about his deputy's inappropriate behavior. Some women who had complained had faced his revenge. Andy Muise, a model, said he was banned from attending the VS show after opposing Ed Razek, who asked for sexual favors.
Ed Razek has been seen with skepticism before, after insulting statements that he would never take on plus-size and transgender models.
The atmosphere in the company was such that Razek was considered a representative of Wexner, leaving everyone with the impression that he was indestructible. Even in many cases, Wexner himself was said to have mistreated women.
Interviews with models and other employees highlight the dark side of the company, which was viewed with suspicion when Wexner's relationship with financier Jeffrey Epstein, a criminal arrested for sexual abuse and child abuse and trafficking, was discussed. Epsetin was managing Wexner's multi-billion dollar fortune and reportedly seduced and abused many women, being removed as a representative of Victoria's Secret.
Following the NYT reporting, Tammy Roberts Myers, spokeswoman for L Brands, said: "We are sorry for any failure to reach the target and are fully committed to continuous improvement and full accountability."
At no point did she dispute the New York Times reports.
Ed Razek said in an email that "the reports are untrue, inaccurate and out of context", while Wexner declined to comment.
This investigation seems to be a last, and even stronger, blow for VS, the company going through the toughest days - with hundreds of stores closed, cancellations canceled and of course criticism from girls and women.
