A person walks past an American Apparel store in New York on April 6, 2011.
American Apparel once sold itself as a proud American success story. Its slogan claimed it was “Ethically Made—Sweatshop Free.” But a new documentary, Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel, reveals a very different story told by those who worked inside the company.
The 54-minute film shares disturbing stories about the brand’s founder, Dov Charney, and how the company treated its workers.
The Promise of a Dream Job
The company launched in 1989. It quickly became a favorite for its bold ads, cool clothing, and “made in the USA” label. Workers earned more than minimum wage, and celebrities like Beyoncé visited its stores.
But behind the glamour, employees say the reality was far from ethical. They describe long shifts, toxic behavior, and disturbing workplace culture.
A Culture of Control and Chaos
New factory hires received odd welcome kits. These included a vibrator, a power book, a Leica camera, and a Blackberry—items meant to keep them connected at all times.
Inside the factory, some workers claim they saw people kissing in hallways. The film shows footage of Charney walking around naked in front of two female workers. Employees describe a workplace where personal and professional lines didn’t exist.
Late-Night Calls and Verbal Abuse
The documentary opens with Carson, a former worker, sharing a chilling story. Charney once called him near midnight just to yell “I hate you!” over and over. Carson says working 36-hour shifts was normal at the company.
Many workers say they felt like they never really left the job. Some even lived in Charney’s home. Jonny Makeup, another former employee, says Charney invited him to stay. He couldn’t resist the luxury of it. He says the house felt like “a Playboy mansion for hipsters,” full of young women.
Serious Allegations Behind Closed Doors
Employment lawyer Toni Jaramilla appears in the film to discuss women who came forward with complaints. These women accused Charney of sexual harassment. Many couldn’t speak out because they signed contracts preventing them from saying anything bad about the company.
Though official complaints stayed private due to legal deals, some stories still became public. In the film, voice actors read messages that describe young employees, some just 18, being invited to Charney’s bedroom. One said he walked around in just a towel at work.
Things Begin to Unravel
As more people spoke out, Charney grew more aggressive. The film shares audio clips of him yelling at his team. He called them “morons” and “dummies.” Though he denied all accusations, the company fired him in 2014.
The brand itself couldn’t survive much longer. American Apparel filed for bankruptcy twice—in 2015 and 2016. Though the brand still sells clothing online, its image has never fully recovered.
Charney later took a job with Kanye West’s Yeezy brand. The documentary ends with a clip of him saying, “I’m not sorry about sh-t.”
