Influencer Matilda Djerf responds to allegations of workplace misconduct after toilet scrubbing and body shaming allegations

Influencers Matilda Djerf addresses allegations of misconduct at her namesake fashion and lifestyle company.

In a report published by the Swedish publication Aftonbladetthe Swedish designer and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree has been accused of bullying, discrimination and creating a toxic work environment by a group of anonymous former Djerf Avenue employees. Djerf responded, saying she does not “recognize myself in all the allegations” and would not comment on individual allegations.

A translation of the allegations, which were originally published in Swedish, include allegations that Djerf cursed and condescended to his employees, showed favoritism, badmouthed them in public and reduced many of them to tears with his behavior.

In it Aftonbladet report, a former employee claimed that Djerf, 27, saw a picture of a plus-size model and replied: “We have to repeat this because she looks so fat in this outfit. We can’t show it .”

“Every day there is a psychological terror in that office,” one person said Aftonbladet.

“The outside image of the company is nothing like the reality of working here – it’s the exact opposite,” added another.

Daring poses for a selfie.

Matilda Djerf/Insatgram


A representative for Djerf Avenue did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

However, Djerf and Pernilla Bonny, a spokesperson for the company, have now responded to the allegations in a statement saying the same. Swedish outlet that they take criticism seriously.

“I take the criticism that has come forward very seriously and would like to make it clear that a safe and respectful working environment is essential to me, both as a person and as the founder of Djerf Avenue,” Djerf said, according to a translation from Glamour.

“If any staff member has felt mistreated or ill-equipped in their role because of my actions, that is something I am truly sorry for and apologize for,” she continued. “It was never my intention to contribute to a work environment that negatively affects anyone, and I am sorry that there are employees who have had such experiences.”

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The 27-year-old also added that she does not “recognize myself in all the allegations” and will not comment on individual allegations.

“However, I think it is valuable that this is highlighted as it allows both me and Djerf Avenue to develop and improve,” added Djerf.

In it Aftonbladet Another accuser claimed Djerf was entitled to a toilet at the company’s office, saying only she and her “favorite” employees could use it. She allegedly put a sign on the bathroom door that read “Please Do Not Use!” in English. At one point, the sign fell down and an employee not designated as a “favorite” used it, and Djerf allegedly made that employee scrub the toilet as punishment.

“(Djerf) will not even go to the same toilet as us employees. We are not fellow human beings or colleagues to her,” the prosecutor said.

Bonny specifically commented on the claim about the toilet and told Aftonbladet that Djerf had his own bathroom as “a measure we put in place to help (Djerf) stay healthy,” per The cut.

“Our office makes it possible to offer this solution without affecting other staff’s access to facilities,” the spokesperson said.

“We want to be clear that such a situation should never arise,” Bonny concluded.

Djerf and her boyfriend Rasmus Johansson co-founded Djerf Avenue in 2019, and the brand sells Scandinavian-inspired “clean girl” clothes in muted colors as well as cosmetics and home goods.