Luxury goods giant under scrutiny as former employees come forward with claims of misconduct and toxic culture

Moët Hennessy Faces Sexual Harassment Allegations Amid Corporate Reckoning
Luxury goods giant under scrutiny as former employees come forward with claims of misconduct and toxic culture

Paris — Moët Hennessy, the storied French luxury conglomerate behind some of the world’s most iconic champagne and spirits brands, is facing serious allegations of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct, according to multiple former employees and internal sources.

The accusations, first reported by a French investigative outlet, allege a pattern of inappropriate behavior by senior male executives toward female staff members, as well as a corporate culture that tolerated sexism and discouraged victims from speaking out. The claims span several years and involve incidents across Moët Hennessy’s operations in France, the United States, and Asia.

One former marketing executive who spoke under anonymity described repeated unwanted advances from a senior director. “He would make comments about my appearance, send inappropriate messages after hours, and touch me at events,” she said. “When I reported it, I was told to ‘not make noise’ and that it would hurt my career.”

Moët Hennessy, a key part of the LVMH empire, has responded by launching an internal review and retaining an independent law firm to investigate the claims. In a statement, the company said it takes the allegations “extremely seriously” and is “committed to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace.”

Despite the company’s swift response, critics say the move is reactive rather than proactive. “Luxury firms have often operated in opaque and hierarchical structures where misconduct can go unchecked,” said Claire Dujardin, a labor law specialist. “What we’re seeing is part of a broader reckoning in the French corporate world, similar to the #MeToo movement in Hollywood.”

This isn’t the first time the luxury industry has been under fire for workplace behavior. The fashion and spirits sectors have long been criticized for enabling environments of exclusivity and power imbalance. With Moët Hennessy now in the spotlight, industry insiders fear more revelations may surface.

Several advocacy groups have called for systemic change within LVMH and its subsidiaries, demanding third-party oversight and a transparent grievance mechanism for employees. “We want to ensure that no voice is silenced, and that companies are held accountable beyond PR statements,” said Élise Lambert, director of Women at Work France.

For Moët Hennessy, the impact may go beyond reputation. Legal experts suggest that if the allegations are substantiated, the company could face lawsuits, regulatory fines, and investor backlash. Already, some shareholders are pressing the board for clarity and reforms.

As investigations continue, the luxury house finds itself navigating not just a legal challenge, but a fundamental question about its values. In an industry built on image and prestige, Moët Hennessy now confronts a moment of uncomfortable transparency — one that could reshape its legacy for years to come.