Influencer Matilda Djerf responds to toxic workplace allegations: 'I'm genuinely sorry'

Matilda Djerf, a 27-year-old influencer and creator of the Scandinavian fashion brand Djerf Avenue, has responded to allegations of workplace abuse. The fashion designer has found herself under fire after Swedish media outlet Aftonbladet released an exposing investigative documentary on her brand, including allegations of a toxic work environment.Featuring 11 employees who made countless claims about Djerf's conduct, the report described the culture at Djerf Avenue as "psychological terror."The documentary has gone viral on social media, with many of Djerf's 3 million Instagram followers demanding answers. Watch the video above.READ MORE: 'Risking lasting damage': Singer forced to cancel showsIn response to the commentary, the influencer addressed the reports and apologised to those impacted, sharing both a statement and a video. "Over the past few days, I've been quiet on social media," Djerf's apology, written using her Notes app, began.READ MORE: Secret ingredient that makes this the best Bloody Mary ever"My highest priority has been to meet with the Djerf Avenue team and speak to them. "I am fully aware that my words here are not an answer or a solution, but for me it's important to write this directly to you," the Instagram statement reads. "To anyone who I've hurt or let down, I want to start by saying that I'm genuinely sorry. "When I started Djerf Avenue, I never expected that the company would be what it is today, with so many team members and so much responsibility. "I wasn't ready. I had never led a team prior to this, I had never built a company prior to this, and under a lot of stress, high tempo, and naivety I failed to be the leader and colleague I wish to be along the way. "And for that I am so, so sorry. I wish my growth happened faster. "I really want to underline that I'm extremely committed to getting it right and continuing growing."READ MORE: A splinter in Ollie's toe led to life-threatening diagnosisMany commenters felt Djerf failed to deny the accusations of workplace bullying, which included claims of her making employees cry, playing favourites and forcing an employee to scrub her private workplace bathroom after it was used by someone else. Djerf said she and her team are "constantly working on improving and developing the internal business, everything from structures that need to be set in place to new initiatives.""This is ongoing work and this year we've made some important changes to improve the work culture at Djerf Avenue. For a daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.https://www.instagram.com/p/DDsAp6CIpyN/?img_index=1"Amongst other things, we have hired a more experienced management team, we have introduced monthly anonymous surveys to collect feedback and take action, we have also set up an external organisational psychologist to access our workplace. "We are also in the process of bringing in an additional external HR professional to support the organisation," the statement read.READ MORE: Ingredient hidden in this delicious dish might shock you"Moving forward, I'm committed and want to focus my all on becoming the best leader and colleague I can be. I'll keep learning and working to ensure Djerf Avenue is a safe, inclusive space for everyone.Djerf's statement concluded: "I want to end by saying thank you to all of you who've had honest and transparent conversations with me over the past few days." FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.