Fashion designer Alexander Wang has denied allegations of sexual assault after he was accused of groping a model at a nightclub in 2017.
In his statement, which was posted across his personal and professional accounts on Instagram, Wang slammed the allegations as “baseless”.
“I’d like to take the opportunity to connect directly with the people who have followed and supported this brand and me over the years and address the recent false, fabricated and mostly anonymous accusations against me,” he said.
“These baseless allegations were started on social media by sites which repeatedly disregarded the value and importance of evidence or fact checking.
“My team is doing everything in its power to investigate these claims and I promise to remain honest and transparent throughout that process.
“I am fortunate to have received an overwhelming amount of support over the last few days and am thankful to those standing by my side at this time.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJoppNjpl_x/
The allegations started to flood social media last month after model Owen Mooney accused Wang of grabbing his genitals at a New York City nightclub in 2017.
Mooney posted the allegation on TikTok, initially choosing to only refer to Wang as a “really famous fashion designer.” But in a follow-up video, Mooney said he chose to identity Wang after viewers started to correctly guess his name.
@owenamooney #stitch with @katiefornia oh yeh the time a celeb was groping my dick in the club 🥴 #fyp #foryoupage
@owenamooney Reply to @hannah_mantanna yep, Alexander Wang is a sexual predator, pass it on #fyp #foryoupage
Mooney’s story was reposted by Instagram accounts Shit Model Management (SMM) and Diet Prada, who are both regarded as unofficial industry watchdogs.
The repost prompted several more people to come forward with anonymous stories, either concerning themselves or friends. Some of these included allegations of being drugged with Molly water (MDMA), being pressured to drink alcohol, groping, and rape.
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Wang first denied the allegations in a statement to the New York Times on January 2, describing them as “grotesquely false accusations”.
“I never engaged in the atrocious behaviour described and would never conduct myself in the manner that’s been alleged,” he said.
Help is available.
If you require immediate assistance, please call 000.
If you’d like to speak to someone about sexual violence, please call the 1800 Respect hotline on 1800 737 732 or chat online.
Under 25? You can reach Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
