Fashion photographer Bruce Weber is “unequivocally” denying accusations that he sexually harassed model Jason Boyce.
“I want to address the recent allegations made against me,” Weber said in a statement posted on his Instagram Wednesday.
“I unequivocally deny these charges and will vigorously defend myself,” the statement said. “I have spent my career capturing the human spirit through photographs and am confident that, in due time, the truth will prevail. I am grateful for the outpouring of support I have received. -Bruce Weber.”
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Boyce, represented by attorney Lisa Bloom, filed a lawsuit in December against Weber saying that the photographer pressured him to take of his clothes and touch his genitals. Boyce, who moved to California in 2015, “suffered humiliation, emotional anguish and lost economic opportunities, including the end of his modeling career in New York,” said the suit (via The Hollywood Reporter).
“Mr. Boyce felt intense dread at the thought of a modeling career in an industry where Mr. Weber was considered by many to be a top photographer and primary champion of male models,” the lawsuit stated. “He was worried that he would continue to run into Mr. Weber throughout his career. He experienced anxiety, depression, and high levels of stress.”
Model Daryl Janney alluded to having a similar experience with Weber in his book “Blacklisted.”
Weber is the latest fashion photographer to be accused of sexual misconduct. Famed photographer Terry Richardson has long denied accusations that he exploits and harasses young models. Richardson was blacklisted from Condé Nast International in October.
Weber has won several fashion industry awards for his photography, and has had his work showcased in Vanity Fair, American Vogue, Interview, Italian Vogue, French Vogue, and GQ, as well as London’s Victoria and Albert Museum and the Museum of Modern Art in Paris. He’s also worked for Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren.