The casting agents accused of subjecting models to degrading and “inhumane” treatment in the run-up to Paris Fashion Week have responded to the allegations made against them.

Maida Gregori Boina and Rami Fernandes reportedly locked more than 150 models in a dark stairwell for over three hours at a recent Balenciaga casting, while they went to lunch. Their fellow casting director James Scully named and shamed them in an explosive Instagram post, calling them “serial abusers”.

Scully’s post was shared by hundreds of fashion industry professionals, backed up by models who said they had been at the Balenciaga casting, and applauded by several high-profile models, including Helena Christensen, Edie Campbell and Joan Smalls. In wake of the outcry surrounding the revelations, Balenciaga proceeded to severe professional ties with Boina and Fernandes.

Now, Boina and Fernandes have released a statement disputing Scully’s version of events.

In an exclusive statement provided to Business of Fashion [BoF], Boina describes Scully’s post as “inaccurate and libellous”.

Fired Balenciaga casting directors respond to claims of model ‘abuse’