It was in April that Expressen published a comprehensive review of the clothing brand Gudrun Sjödén.

In the review, the management duo consisting of Gudrun Sjödén and Anna Adelsson were accused of abusive behavior by the staff.

Among other things, around twenty employees testified about how Gudrun Sjödén is said to have commented on the staff's appearance on several occasions and expressed himself racistly.

According to the testimonies, Sjödén is said to have turned to a middle manager and said: "Because you are black, I cannot read your face, you must try to have a clearer facial expression".

- That's right, I said that.

I think it is difficult to read dark people, it is not as given as reading an ordinary Swede, says Gudrun Sjödén when Expressen asks about the incident.

Reviewed by the Swedish Work Environment Agency

After the review, the Swedish Work Environment Authority carried out an inspection of the company where it was determined that there was a "lack of trust among employees, towards management and owners".

As a measure, the Swedish Work Environment Authority required that the managers should be trained in how to prevent abusive discrimination, including by bringing in external help to deal with the problems.

The founder and deputy CEO Gudrun Sjödén herself never participated in the inspection, but according to the Swedish Work Environment Agency, Sjödén was expected to have a different role within the business going forward.

Retires after 50 years - moves to New York  

On Instagram, Gudrun Sjödén writes that she is now leaving the company after 50 years and is moving to New York to become a freelancer.

According to the post, the reason behind the announcement is Expressen's review, which she describes as a "media attack".

"Now I'm turning the page - as it's called - and moving on from a different horizon," writes Gudrun Sjödén on her Instagram.

The clothing brand Gudrun Sjödén is second only to H&M one of Sweden's largest fashion exporters with an annual turnover of SEK 870 million.

The clothes are sold today in more than 70 countries and they have their own stores in seven different countries, including the USA, Great Britain, Germany and the Nordic countries.