LVMH defend Robert Duffy over sexual discrimination claims

Recently, former Marc Jacobs chief operating officer Patrice Lataillade made alleged sexual discrimination claims against the company’s president Robert Duffy - implying he was guilty of using the company for personal expenses.

Lataillade was discharged from the company last September, but has only recently filed a lawsuit against Duffy this week – seeking lost wages, compensatory damages and reasonable attorney’s fees and costs from the industry giant. But LVMH representatives state there is absolutely no truth in the sexual discrimination claims.

“The allegations contained in the complaint are false,” said an LVMH spokesperson. “Patrice Lataillade was terminated as chief financial officer and chief operating officer of MJI for serious matters unrelated to the allegations contained in the complaint. MJI, LVMH Inc. and Robert Duffy will vigorously defend the case in court.”

Lataillade continues to describe how Duffy had a personal book which included “photos of MJI staff in sexual positions or nude” and how Duffy used a “nude photograph for a billboard advertisement.” He also claims he was subsequently fired from his position as he found his “discriminatory environment offensive to him.”

Way back in May 1996 Lataillade started his 15 year career with LVMH at Donna Karan, before joining the Marc Jacobs headquarters in November 2002 as chief executive officer – he later found himself promoted to chief operating officer in 2006 but then left the company altogether late last year, reports Vogue UK.

Stay with us for updates as the lawsuit unfolds.