Kate Upton is glad women have a platform to speak about their experiences with sexual harassment.
Earlier this month, the Sports Illustrated model accused Guess co-founder Paul Marciano of sexual misconduct – allegations he has denied – and she has now spoken of her excitement with the "#metoo" movement encouraging other women not to be silent.
She told ‘Entertainment Tonight’: "I appreciate the support so much. It’s such an exciting time for women because now we have a platform to not allow the norm to be the norm anymore.
"I’m just really excited about this movement and am happy to create a platform for other women to speak their stories as well."
Kate, 25, believes change was necessary in the modelling industry to make it a safer environment, and suggested the best way to achieve that is for women to keep speaking out.
She said: "I think it’s women continuing to speak out and not accept what was the norm [that will create change]… And to expect being treated in a professional way in a professional setting."
Her comments come after she told Time magazine that, when she first met Marciano in 2011, he "forcibly" grabbed her breasts.
She added: "He started feeling them – playing with them actually. After I pushed him away, he said, ‘I’m making sure they’re real.’ "
As the meeting went on, she claimed he continued to touch her in a "very dominating and aggressive way".
Marciano has denied Kate’s allegations.
He said: "I fully support the #metoo movement. At the same time, I will not allow others to defame me and tarnish my reputation. I have pledged to Guess and its Board of Directors my full support and cooperation with a fair and impartial investigation."
Kate Upton is happy women have a platform
