Delta Galil, an Israeli firm, produces most Victoria’s Secret products as well as a number of its other offerings. Most of the cotton Israel uses comes from land that was originally owned by Palestinians. The “Shop Israel” website, run by the Israeli embassy, tells anyone who supports Israeli policy to purchase Victoria’s Secret items. Leslie Wexner, often seen promoting Israel and supporting charities there, founded the parent company of The Limited, L Brands. Pro-Palestinian bodies have urged people to boycott Victoria’s Secret after learning that Delta Galil, a Jewish-owned Israeli business that makes some of the company’s items, gives funds to the Israeli Defense Forces.
Is there an ethical side to buying items from Victoria’s Secret?
If you decide to get Victoria’s Secret products, you should be aware of issues like laborers’ working conditions, how the company acts, whether it shares information, and the impact it has on the environment.
1. Environmental concerns
Many people have pointed out that Victoria’s Secret does not use eco-friendly manufacturing methods or sell environmentally safe products. H&M hasn’t met the goals put forward by Greenpeace’s “Detox My Fashion” project and has not proved its policies are effective in reducing dangerous chemicals, leftover textiles, or pollution from microplastics. It adds to environmental problems by choosing to destroy surplus products instead of sharing or helping them find new owners.
2. Labor conditions
The business has been under intense scrutiny for its supply chain’s bad labor practices, which include reports of severe working conditions like physical abuse and unreasonable quotas, as well as insufficient worker protections and a failure to guarantee livable wages. There is minimal proof of recognized labor standards or worker protections, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is a lack of transparency. Settlements for underpaid retail personnel and unpaid severance to factory workers are examples of previous cases.
3. Accountability and transparency
The lack of information about Victoria’s labor rules, and impact on nature and supply chains makes its transparency index very low. Being secretive leaves people doubting the company’s moral principles and seriousness about responsibility.
4. The behavior and how a company is viewed
There has been criticism of the company for not reacting quickly enough to ethical questions and for being linked with controversies that might include bullying and harassment among employees. Some believe that a company’s ongoing support also means they agree with these events.
5. Animal welfare
Although Victoria’s Secret items typically don’t contain any animal products other than silk, labor and environmental concerns have a greater influence on the brand’s overall ethical grade than do concerns for animal rights.
6. Social and political concerns
Victoria’s Secret’s manufacturing connections to Israel have sparked demands for boycotts, which some see as politically divisive and raise additional ethical questions for customers.
What are the main reasons for boycotting Victoria’s Secret?
The following are the primary justifications for boycotting Victoria’s Secret:
1. Lack of diversity and inclusion
The brand has come under fire for its fatphobia, limited definition of beauty, and the exclusion of transgender and plus-size women. A narrow and exclusive concept of beauty was reinforced by former executives’ overt disinterest in broadening the brand’s image.
2. Unethical labor practices
Reports have exposed the use of jail labor, harsh work hours, the absence of contracts, and sexual abuse in sweatshops that produce Victoria’s Secret items. The company has come under fire for allegedly using child labor in cotton supply chains and for inadequate worker empowerment.
3. Environmental neglect
Victoria’s Secret has been under fire for using unsustainable production methods, being opaque about the company’s environmental effects, and destroying unsold inventory rather than giving it, all of which add to waste.
4. Political scandals and boycott calls
Because the company is connected to Israeli companies like El Al and Delta Galil, it has been charged with supporting Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory. Support for the BDS movement, which originates in Palestine, has led to boycotts of Jewish groups around the world.
5. Problems affecting corporate culture and leaders
Among the many scandals the company has faced are the resignation of its CEO over offensive comments about diversity and inclusion, allegations of harassment and bullying, and connections to Jeffrey Epstein through former owner Leslie Wexner.
6. Difficulties with how the clothes feel or look on you
Its customers have accused Victoria’s Secret of not fitting their breasts well, having a tiny selection of sizes, and making clothes that fit only a few body types.
How has Victoria’s Secret responded to allegations of human rights violations?
After claims of human rights abuses, Victoria’s Secret has promised to keep ensuring human rights in its entire supply chain and in how it runs its business. To ensure its partners comply with its rules, the corporation claims it performs many audits, looks for problems, and works to address any infractions. Victoria’s Secret posts a document discussing its steps to prevent forced labor and other negative human rights situations for its suppliers, business partners, and team members.
In response to some cases, for example, the Dongguan Gogo closure, where workers allegedly did not get their full severance, Victoria’s Secret said it left before the plant closed and followed proper withdrawal rules. The corporation has announced that it will still assist workers who were affected by these incidents in getting their proper pay.
After apologizing, the business has been criticized for its incorrect responses and its decision to deny some executives’ wrongdoings.
In light of the Dongguan Gogo closing and accusations of partial severance, Victoria’s Secret said it had already departed by the time the plant was shut down and had followed responsible procedures. Nonetheless, the company has assured that it is determined to assist employees who suffered losses in getting their earnings.
Experts have found that Victoria’s Secret’s culture is marked by misogyny, bullying, and discrimination against plus-sized and transgender models. The company apologized, but it is still being criticized for poor responses and for denying that some of the top executives had done anything wrong.
