Europe's richest man denies LVMH excludes overweight workers

Bernard Arnault, the billionaire chairman of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, has publicly refuted claims that his luxury empire excludes overweight individuals from its workforce. The denial comes in response to an investigation published by the French newspaper Le Monde.

Le Monde's report, based on observations at LVMH's Paris headquarters, described a workforce composed of "slim, attractive, and young" women, suggesting a lack of physical diversity. The article stated, "You won't find a single overweight employee or one dressed sloppily." This portrayal has drawn a sharp response from Arnault, who is Europe's wealthiest individual and oversees brands like Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co.

In a three-page statement posted on LVMH's official X account, Arnault appeared to mock the newspaper's findings. He sarcastically "apologized to the readers for this lack of physical diversity" and quipped that he would "raise this matter with the company canteen on Monday." His response highlights a dismissive stance towards the investigation's focus on employee appearance.

The Le Monde investigation also delved into other aspects of Arnault's business and personal life, including alleged tensions among his heirs regarding succession, his political influence, media control, and tax scandals. LVMH, with an estimated value of £105 billion (RM578 billion), ranks ninth on Forbes' list of the world's wealthiest individuals, making Arnault the richest person in France and Europe.

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I apologize to the readers for this lack of physical diversity and I will raise this matter with the company canteen on Monday.