We’re Sweatshop Free, Here’s the Vibrator

NY Times Style section includes this nugget about a rich apparel company owner.

“Even under the murkiest of he-said, she-said circumstances, Mr. Dov Charney’s management style runs counter to American cultural and business norms and has left him vulnerable to the kind of claims he faces now, workplace experts and some of Mr. Charney’s supporters said. He runs American Apparel, selling ‘sweatshop free’ clothing.

In an article in Jane magazine last summer, Mr. Charney was described as engaging in oral sex with a female employee and masturbating in front of the writer several times with the writer’s acquiescence.

Mr. Charney, in a telephone interview, said that citing the article, as well as referring to his nudity in ads and his provocative photo displays in stores are “not journalism but sensationalism” when used in the context of the lawsuits.

Mr. Charney added that “any sexual activities described in the Jane article were, A, consensual; B, enjoyable for both parties; and C, occurred in a private setting and therefore are not relevant to the sexual harassment charges.”

Finally, he said, he does not believe consensual relationships between adults should be restrained in the workplace.

The women suing Mr. Charney and American Apparel are not alleging that he pressured them for sex. What they say in their lawsuits is that they faced a “wholly intolerable” and “intimidating” work atmosphere that subjected them to “egregious” sexual comments and behavior.

Alexandra Spunt, a writer in the company’s art department, said crude language comes from all quarters. “We all use it,” she said. “We’re working in a creative department in the fashion business.”

But there is little sympathy for the plaintiffs among at least some in the apparel industry. “If you’re seasick, don’t join the Navy,” said Ilse Metchek, the executive director of the California Fashion Association, a trade group Mr. Charney belongs to. “Yes, he’s a bizarre person, but that’s no secret,” she said. “It’s there for you to see when you sign on for this opportunity.”