On the LA Fashion Week controversy: Producer Erik Rosete, Jacob Meir, and fashion models issue statements

Designer and Art Hearts Fashion president Erik Rosete on Thursday took to social media to explain what happened at the recently concluded Los Angeles Fashion Week, where Filipino professionals were reportedly asked to leave the backstage.

In a post that has since been deleted, Rosete said that the decision to cut Rocky Gathercole, Elie Madi, and Resty LaGare from the program was because of "For The Stars Fashion House"  owner Jacob Meir.

Rosete apologized to the three and clarified that what happened was not their fault.

"[Jacob Meir] is a crook and a scam artist and owes us thousands of dollars from years ago," Rosete said. "He collected money from hair and makeup people, and Filipino pageant organizations to offer them placement in MY EVENT!"

Rosete said that the models failed to meet the height requirement, 5'9", and he couldn't have "dresses dragging on the floor just to serve Jacobs personal side business and scam showroom." The height was the only requirement, he declared.

"Do not ever try to pull a race card with me! I am a minority, my designers are all international minorities, and the opening model of my biggest show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week is Filipino and now the first ever Filipino Victoria's Secret Model!" Rosete added, even taking to Instagram to post a photo model Janine Tugonon.

 

Three of my babes are now @victoriassecret & supermodels! Wow they grow up so fast! #TBT to ten seasons of beautiful models and a wonderful journey! Hope to see you all at my closing show on March 16th #fashion #couture #streetwear #style #swag #girls #girl #photo of the day @lamb @tugononjanine @wallettewatson #LosAngelesFashionWeek powered by #artheartsfashion

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Mar 15, 2018 at 12:30pm PDT

Elie Madi's show was supposed to include Kiana Valenciano, former Miss Earth titleholder Jamie Herell, and five other Filipina models.

Herell took to Instagram to share her thoughts on the matter and said that "One man doesn’t define a whole nation."

Both she and Valenciano reiterated that racism does exist and vowed to continue fighting it. "I’ve learned so much from this experience and one important lesson is to stand up for what is right, in the right way," Valenciano said.

 

One man doesn’t define a whole nation. After the LA fashion week experience I have been receiving many messages about this issue on my social media accounts. Yes, racism is still an issue and what has happened shouldn’t have happened but, not all people are the same. I have met wonderful people of different race and colour in America (including Americans) and this one man will not taint my image of the good people I have met in this country. So for the women and men who want to make a career here please keep that hope and give yourself the chance to make your dreams come true. Filipinos are strong at heart and let’s continue to show that to the world. Let’s celebrate our differences and break away from the prejudice because life is just to freaking beautiful.???? Photo By: @noeldaganta HMUA: @maxitone.the.mua Designer: @alandelrosario1231

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Mar 14, 2018 at 8:33am PDT

 

What happened here in LA was unfortunate and unexpected, especially in this day and age, but I believe that all things happen for a reason. To anyone who thinks that racism is dead, you are wrong. I’ve learned so much from this experience and one important lesson is to stand up for what is right, in the right way. You cannot right a wrong with another wrong. I want to remind everyone that the best way to fight hate is with love. If you don’t have anything nice to say, keep your words to yourself because your words have power. Do not forget that beauty shines from within. You can be the most attractive, most successful person, but if your heart is not in the right place, it will show... what then would you really have achieved? 1 Samuel 16:7 Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.

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Mar 14, 2018 at 11:40pm PDT

In a report on Unang Balita Tuesday, Meir denied owing Rosete $100,000. He also explained why he pulled out from the show: Rosete, Meir claimed, did not want Filipina models to walk the ramp.

— Aya Tantiangco/LA, GMA News