Luxury retailer Neiman Marcus is under scrutiny following allegations of discriminatory hiring practices leveled against its CEO.

An independent investigation has been launched to examine accusations that CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck has favored certain demographics in hiring and promotions, purportedly showing a preference for “gay or European men” and “white and Asian women” for top positions, according to reports from The New York Post.

The probe comes after anonymous employees raised concerns in a blog post, alleging that van Raemdonck’s hiring practices have sidelined straight white men and black leaders.

“Are straight US men or black leaders ever going to see the top echelons of Neiman Marcus?” the blog post questioned. It also claimed that van Raemdonck’s direct reports are predominantly white and Asian women and gay men, reflecting his own background.

Neiman Marcus, a retailer with a storied 117-year history that also includes the upscale Bergdorf Goodman stores in New York, has refuted these allegations.

According to the company’s response to The New York Post, the investigation found no evidence to support the claims against van Raemdonck. Neiman Marcus emphasized that a significant portion of recent senior hires and promotions included straight men, as well as individuals from diverse backgrounds.

The statement noted that among the promoted leaders, there were four white straight men, one Asian man, and one black woman, highlighting the company’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion from within its ranks.

Thanks to our friends at ToddStarnes.com for contributing to this article.