Fashion retailer Guess has announced its co-founder and creative director Paul Marciano has relinquished his day-to-day responsibilities at the company, on an unpaid basis, pending the completion of an investigation into recent allegations of improper conduct.

The Los Angeles-based lifestyle brand said last week it has set up a special committee to oversee the ongoing investigation, adding Marciano “adamantly denies the allegations” made by model and actress Kate Upton, who accused Marciano of sexual assault on social media.

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Upton took to Twitter and Instagram to post: “It’s disappointing that such an iconic women’s brand @Guess is still empowering Paul Marciano as their creative director #metoo.”

Guess, which operates 982 retail stores in the Americas, Europe and Asia and another 671 through licensees and distributors worldwide, said in a statement: “As a leader in the fashion industry, Guess Inc takes seriously any allegation of sexual harassment. The company does not condone such misconduct in any form.”

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Now, the retailer’s board of directors and Marciano himself have agreed he will relinquish his day-to-day responsibilities on an unpaid basis while the investigation continues.

It is being conducted by law firm of O’Melveny & Myers LLP, while the special committee has retained law firm of Glaser Weil, LLP.

“I have pledged my full cooperation to the company, and I have the utmost confidence in our CEO, Victor Herrero, to continue leading the company during this time,” Marciano said in a statement.

Guess added it takes very seriously any allegations of sexual misconduct, is committed to maintaining a safe work environment, and looks forward to the completion of a thorough investigation of all the facts.