Alexander Wang Says Sweatshop Claims Are "Completely Untrue"
And that the original plaintiff was fired for "serious harassment issues."
Earlier this month we reported that Alexander Wang is being sued for allegedly running a sweatshop in New York, and now the company has said that the allegations are "completely untrue". Around thirty former employees filed the lawsuit, with Wenyu Lu claiming that he fainted after working 25 hours without a break, and Flor Duante later stepping forward saying that she was made to work more than 90 hours a week. Both said they were fired after complaining about the conditions and for making worker's compensation claims. The first lawsuit sought $450 million in damages but the case has since been moved to the federal court so the total claims cannot be publicly released.
A representative from the Alexander Wang label spoke to WWD in an article published yesterday, denying the allegations, and instead saying that Wenyu was fired for workplace harassment. "The claims regarding sweatshop conditions are completely untrue. In reality, this case was filed by an individual who was let go by the company as a result of serious harassment issues. We stand by our decision to promote a safe workplace environment for all employees regardless of false claims that may be waged against us in retaliation."
Even if the court case eventually results in Alexander Wang's favour, the claims will still have serious ramifications on the public image of the company. Just over a week ago, Refinery 29 reported that the label's Soho flagship had been egged, for instance.
Ingrid Kesa
