We should be talking about Alexander Wang
Recently, fashion designer Alexander Wang was accused of over eight accounts of sexual assault. While stories about Wang’s predatory behavior have been on social media for the past few years, it was never widely talked about- until now. Male model Owen Mooney recently came forward about being assaulted by Wang in 2017.
Mooney shared his story on TikTok, made as part of a trend that asks users to share weird encounters they have had with celebrities. In the video, he describes being unable to move while he was in the crowd when the person next to him began to touch him inappropriately. In a second video, Mooney confirmed that it was Wang who assaulted him that night after becoming aware of the numerous other allegations made against Wang. He stated, “Alexander Wang is a sexual predator and there are multiple people he has done this to…and in that case he needs to be exposed.” Mooney’s story has encouraged several others to speak out about Wang’s revolting behavior. Many of these incidents involve accusing Wang of drugging, groping, and assaulting male models and trans women, often at afterparties and nightclubs.
via @Diet_Prada on Instagram
The silence amongst retailers, celebrities, and influencers that are affiliated with Wang is extremely disappointing, but not surprising. Sexual misconduct has always been a huge problem within the fashion industry, and while many people have spoken up about their abuse, nothing has really changed. For example, when famous photographers like Mario Testino and Bruce Weber were accused of sexually harassing their assistants and models, both of their careers came to a brief halt when several publications announced they would stop working with them. However, as some time passed, Testino and Weber were never held accountable for their actions, never apologized, and continued working high profile jobs.
While several major news outlets have picked up the story about the allegations against Wang, many people are still not speaking out to condemn his behavior and to stand in solidarity with survivors. The silence following the news coverage and Wang’s statement denying the accusations continues to perpetuate the toxic culture of sweeping cases of sexual assault under the rug. It also dismisses and gaslights the experiences of survivors, while discouraging others from speaking out.
via @shitmodelmgmt Instagram story
It is clear that most platforms, brands, and figures are unwilling to have the necessary conversations about the rampant issue of sexual assault within the industry. The celebrities, influencers, and retailers who are still following him, supporting him, and not condemning his actions are all staying complicit. The lack of criticism and conversations regarding Wang’s behavior appears as acceptance, which just continues to give abusers a pass to do what they want with zero accountability. But how much longer will we let money and fame be an excuse for sexual misconduct? When will we begin to stand in solidarity with all survivors of sexual assault? It is time that we actually start to hold people accountable for their actions and take accusations of sexual assault more seriously. In the case of Alexander Wang, we can boycott his line, unfollow him on social media, call for people in influential positions to criticize his behavior, and most importantly, believe and support survivors.
Resources for survivors:
National Sexual Assault Hotline: (800) 656-HOPE
National Sexual Violence Resource Center: https://www.nsvrc.org
UCLA Counseling and Psychological Services 24/7 Hotline: (310) 825-0768
Nicole Tan