Karl Lagerfeld's stance on #MeToo spurs boycott of Chanel

Rose McGowan and Whitney Cummings come forward to slam the designer for his thoughts

In a recent interview, creative fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld stated that he's fed up of the #MeToo movement and even  slammed models who complained about sexual harassment in the industry.



PHOTO: VANITY FAIR

According to Huffington Post, Lagerfeld is shocked that most of the models who have complained took 20 years to remember what had happened with them and only spoke about it now. He also said that he "cannot stand Harvey Weinstein," the Hollywood producer whose predatory behaviour initiated the #MeToo movement in the first place.

Lagerfeld stated, "I read somewhere that now you must ask a model if she is comfortable with posing. It’s simply too much. From now on, as a designer, you can’t do anything."

PHOTO: ANTIDOTE MAGAZINE

The ace couturier recalled an incident wherein a model complained because a high-profile stylist named Karl Templer, "pulled her pants down." Lagerfeld said, "If you don't want your pants pulled about, don't become a model. Join a nunnery, there will always be place for you in the convent."

In regards to male models, the Chanel  designer said that they don't even run the risk of getting harassed and called them "skinny things with wonky teeth."

PHOTO: POPSUGAR

Lagerfeld's comments have generated a fiercely negative reaction from celebrities on social media. American comedian Whitney Cummings, for instance, snapped back at the designer and said, "Karl Lagerfeld is fed up with the #MeToo. Well, I’m fed up with rich old entitled white guys with ponytails, who make their money off of women's insecurities."

https://twitter.com/WhitneyCummings/status/985250344505454592

Hollywood actor Rose McGowan, who was amongst the first women to publicly talk about sexual misconduct in the industry and support the #MeToo movement, also hit back at Lagerfeld.

In an Instagram post, McGowan posed with a nun and wrote, "Karl, I read your disgusting quote last night. It made me feel dirty. This morning I met Sister Irene and she made me feel light. I’m sure Sister Irene will forgive you for being a dinosaur misogynist but I think you’re a mean, small, black soul and I don’t."

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhmqhzpAGvX/?hl=en&taken-by=rosemcgowan

The 44-year-old actor also urged her social media followers to boycott Chanel. Addressing Lagerfeld, she penned, "You’ve made so much money off of women’s insecurities, it’s time for you to ride off into the misogynistic sunset. #BoycottChanel."

PHOTO: NEW YORK POST

The German fashion guru has had a reputation for making controversial remarks about people. In 2012, he called Adele "a little too fat" and in 2016, blamed Kim Kardashian for being robbed. In November 2017, Lagerfeld also criticsed German chancellor Angela Markel for allowing more refugees into the country.

The 84-year-old hasn't responded to any criticism or the request to boycott Chanel.

This article originally appeared on Huffington Post. 

Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.