CFDA CEO Steven Kolb Resigns After Assaulting PETA Protesters

The Council of Fashion Designers of America accepted the resignation of CEO and President Steven Kolb on Friday following a physical altercation with animal rights activists. The incident occurred during a New York Fashion Week runway show for the brand Cos, where protesters from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals were demonstrating against the use of wool.

Video footage of the confrontation showed Kolb shoving a male protester and pulling a female protester to the ground. He then used his leg to restrain the woman while covering her mouth with his hand. In the immediate aftermath, the CFDA board placed Kolb on leave pending a formal review.

Kolb issued an apology on Instagram, stating the behavior was completely out of character and admitting that security should have handled the situation. PETA characterized the assault as an example of how fashion industry leaders use violence to silence advocates. After a twenty-year tenure, Kolb stepped down from his leadership role. The CFDA board, led by Thom Browne, has not yet named a successor.