Not even Miranda Priestly would go this far. Someone that knows that many shades of blue would also know you don't go against the gays and fashion. If the allegations are true, Perry Ellis may feel more of a scorn than was produced between Elton John and Dolce & Gabbana over IVF children.
Perry Ellis International is being sued over claims that the company’s president demanded that there are “no blacks in my ads” or “anyone who looked too gay”.
The company – which is named after its gay founder – is being sued over an alleged homophobic and racist policy.
The company’s president Oscar Feldenkreis is also accused of telling the plaintiff that he could avoid jury service by “telling them you hate ni**ers and fags”.
In a statement released by Perry Ellis, the label said it “categorically denies” all the allegations.
The lawsuit – filed last week in New York – is brought on behalf of former employee.
Cook – who is openly gay – claims that he has been “forced to endure highly offensive homophobic, racial and ethnic slurs” from Feldenkreis.
Cook alleges that during a meeting to discuss new adverts, Feldenkreis told him he “did not want anyone who looked too gay” in the commercials.
Feldenkreis’s daughter – who also works for the company – also allegedly repeatedly told Cook that “my dad doesn’t like having black guys in his ads, or anyone who looks too gay”.
Cook claims in the lawsuit that he was pushed out and had his role diminished when he complained about
Feldenkreis’s alleged homophobic and racist behaviour.
In a statement, the company’s lawyer said: “Perry Ellis is a company that promotes equal opportunity and a positive working environment.
“The company is proud of the fact that it is probably one of the most diverse companies in the apparel business following its multicultural roots, stemming from Puerto Rico and Cuba.
“Perry Ellis categorically denies any allegations to the contrary. The claims that have been asserted will be vigorously defended against.”
Despite this, Cook’s lawyer said: “It is incredible that a company founded by a gay man can now be so insensitive to others based on their sexual orientation and race.”
Earlier this month, rap superstar Kanye West claimed he too “got discriminated” in the fashion industry… because he is straight.
“I feel like I got discriminated in fashion for not being gay,” he said. – pinknews.co.uk
I do love me some Perry Ellis. I won't be boycotting the brand over one man's statement, a boycott that would hurt all its employees when it's just one man's mouth that caused the concern, but something should be done internally. So much for that international market!
Best of luck Perry Ellis in saving face on this one. Bye Oscar!
Well let me keep an eye on
Well let me keep an eye on his ads to see if any diversity. What happen to Afro-American models who are born in the US. Seems it's mostly from Africa .
Frankly, if these comments
Frankly, if these comments are true it wouldn't be surprising. Perry Ellis is a shell of what it once was. Today it's just a generic brand that lacks energy and is managed by a bunch of fat old out-of-touch guys in ill-fitting suits. Perry Ellis International owns a bunch of unimportant, equally unimpressive brands, like Farah and Savane, that cater to the lower-middle end of the market. It wouldn't take much to revive Perry Ellis. But these slobs aren't going to do it because they don't appear to have the vision or the ambition to make it happen.
I loved Perry Ellis back when
I loved Perry Ellis back when he was alive 25 years ago. He had an eye for color and did amazing things to bring that color to nice fabrics. Since he died it has just been a brand that never really could duplicate his original vision of how garments could be made.