The Matilda Djerf toilet laundry scandal, explained

There were pop-up stores in Stockholm, London and New York. Djerf also frequently collaborates with other brands, such as a recent limited-edition lip treatment created in collaboration with Hailey Bieber’s Rhode.

What is the scandal?

A bombastic report in Sweden Aftonbladet has allegations of mistreatment and bullying from 11 former and current Djerf Avenue employees. The report and accompanying video – in which the accusers tell their stories in the shadows – are all in Swedish, but according to an online translation, Djerf was accused of bullying, favoritism, creating a toxic work environment, fatphobia and more.

In a bizarre claim, an employee told the newspaper that Djerf had set up a toilet in the office just for herself and her “favorite co-workers” and had put a sign on the door that read “Please do not use!” in English. When the sign came down, the newspaper claimed an employee was forced to scrub the toilet because it was being used by an unauthorized person.

Djerf himself and Pernilla Bonny, a spokeswoman for the company, responded extensively to the allegations, including the toilet claim. When asked if it was “reasonable” that a non-cleaning employee should have scrubbed the toilet, Bonny replied that it was “obviously” not the case and that they would work to improve the situation. Bonny defended Djerf’s right to have his own toilet to “stay healthy” but said the use of it by “darlings” would end.

Others accused Djerf of insulting her staff and behaving condescendingly, creating an environment of “terror” in which staff regularly burst into tears.

“I have never been so afraid of a human being in my entire life,” said one, according to a rough translation.

Another recounted an alleged incident in which Djerf saw photos of a plus-size model and claimed she didn’t want to use them because the woman looked “so fat.” Responding to claims that the company’s stated values ​​around inclusion did not match reality, Bonny told the newspaper: “If there are employees who feel that we are not living up to our values, then obviously we still have to work harder at it.” .”

In her own statement, Djerf said she did not recognize herself in some of the allegations made, but apologized to any employee who felt mistreated.