Podcast “Fallen Angel”
Epstein Gang and Skinny Models: The Dark Side of Victoria’s Secret
Erin Heatherton was emaciated for a long time to run for Victoria’s Secret
© Lionel Hahn / Picture Alliance
From a hip underwear label to a scandal company: Victoria’s Secret has fallen deeply in recent years. A new podcast sheds light on the background.
Victoria’s Secret has long been considered the ultimate and career milestone for models around the world. To run down the runway as an “angel” – the goal of many young girls whose role models are Heidi Klum or Alessandria Ambrosio.
Victoria’s Secret: Bond with Jeffrey Epstein
The podcast “Fallen Angel” by journalists Vanessa Grigoriadis and Justine Harman highlights that there could be some dark secrets behind the glow of Victoria’s Secret. Company founder Les Wexner’s connections with Jeffrey Epstein are one of them, as they explain.
“I believe Les Wexner and Jeffrey Epstein had a very close relationship. And there are many people who believe that the bulk of Epstein’s money – the money Epstein used to buy and locate all of this extraordinary real estate To create an image that drew all these wealthy men on his side, and also to abuse all these women and girls – most likely came from Les Wexner, “explains Grigoriadis of the” New York Post “.
New York prosecutors even accused Epstein of taking advantage of young models who wanted to run for Victoria’s Secret. According to her, “auditions” took place at his home that resulted in abuse.
Skinny models
The podcast also features a former employee who remembers a meeting with Epstein. The late entrepreneur invited her to a party, which she refused. He is said to have contacted her a few more times when he needed “female company”. She also declined these requests.
But not only Epstein is analyzed by the podcasters. The way in which the models are dealt with and the unhealthy pressure on the young women is also a topic in the eight episodes of “Fallen Angel”. For example, model Erin Heatherton remembers taking an amphetamine derivative for long periods of time every day to lose weight. Her therapist later referred to the drug as “bathtub meth”.
Just a few months ago, model Bridget Malcolm shared her own experience with the public. Victoria’s Secret made her sick. “I had an eating disorder, was on anxiety medication, had constant panic attacks, and was exhausted. My body was malnourished, my mind was malnourished, it was relentless,” Malcolm said on 60 Minutes. Victoria’s Secret exploited and controlled its models.
A spokesman for Victoria’s Secret responded to the allegations made by Bridget Malcolm, pointing to the brand’s new image, which should be more diverse and celebrate women for their achievements instead of their looks. Malcolm criticized the re-branding as a “joke” a few months ago.
source: “New York Post” / “Fallen Angel”