H&M keeps Moss for campaign despite drug allegations

LONDON - Fashion retailer H&M said it would use British supermodel Kate Moss in an upcoming advertising campaign after hearing her explanation and regret following accusations she took illegal drugs.

A spokeswoman for Hennes & Mauritz told Reuters on Saturday company representatives had met with Moss following the publication of pictures on Thursday in the Daily Mirror, which the British tabloid said showed her snorting cocaine.

The model has not commented on the story since it was published and her agent was not available for comment on Saturday. Moss has previously denied taking hard drugs.

"We strongly disapprove of her actions," H&M spokeswoman Liv Asarnoj said. "We think that this is very unfortunate. We have strict policies for engaging models.

"They should be healthy, wholesome and sound and we are strongly against drug abuse -- we have made this clear to Kate Moss.

"After hearing her explanation and her regret we have decided for the time being to continue the campaign."

Moss's waifish good looks have graced the covers of countless magazines. She was discovered by a modeling agency as a 14-year-old schoolgirl and went on to become one of the most famous faces on the catwalk.

Moss signed up by H&M to front its high-profile autumn collection designed by Stella McCartney.

She also has contracts with other major fashion and cosmetic houses, which have all refused to comment on the story so far.

British media have reported that Moss earns around 4 million pounds a year through commercial contracts.

- REUTERS