ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
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