Guess co-founder Paul Marciano will step away from daily responsibilities with the company pending the completion of an investigation into Kate Upton’s allegations of sexual misconduct, CNBC reported Tuesday.
“I have pledged my full cooperation to the Company, and I have the utmost confidence in our CEO, Victor Herrero, to continue leading the Company during this time,” Marciano said in a statement provided by Guess.
“The Company takes very seriously any allegations of sexual misconduct, is committed to maintaining a safe work environment, and looks forward to the completion of a thorough investigation of all the facts,” Guess said in the statement.
The comments come several weeks after the super model accused Marciano of sexually and emotionally harassing her as a young model.
“It’s disappointing that such an iconic women’s brand @GUESS is still empowering Paul Marciano as their creative director #metoo,” Upton tweeted on January 31.
It’s disappointing that such an iconic women’s brand @GUESS is still empowering Paul Marciano as their creative director #metoo
— Kate Upton (@KateUpton) January 31, 2018
The actress and model told Time magazine the Guess co-founder grabbed her boobs, claiming he wanted to make sure “they’re real.” Then he grabbed the back of her head and started forcibly kissing her face and neck so she couldn’t move.
“It took a huge toll on my confidence and self-worth,” Upton explained. “I wanted to quit modeling. I constantly blamed myself after it happened: What am I doing to invite someone to treat me like that or grab me like that? I wondered if it was how I was presenting myself or what I was wearing. I started slumping my shoulders to hide my breast size, wearing baggy clothes, started despising my own body.”
Marciano’s future with Guess will be determined following “an extensive and impartial investigation into all of the facts” by a special committee that has been formed. He has denied the allegations.