Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel
NZ release: 01 July 2025
Nudity, sexual violence themes Rated on: 01 July 2025
What’s it about?
This documentary uncovers claims of toxic workplace culture, inappropriate behaviour, and harsh working conditions at the company run by CEO Dov Charney.
The facts
- Directed by Sally Rose Griffiths
- English language
- Runtime: 54 minutes
- This documentary is part of Netflix’s Trainwreck series, which explores recent events that spiralled into chaos.
Why did it get this rating?
This film was self-rated by Netflix. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.
Sexual violence themes
Towards the end of the documentary, anonymous accounts of female victims, voiced by actors, describe being invited to Dov Charney’s home, where they were coerced into sexual acts. One woman says the acts became more aggressive when she said no, and another describes nearly suffocating during a sex act. She was 18 at the time.
Allegations of sexual violence are first introduced around 30 minutes in, when a woman sues Charney for sexual harassment. This leads to more women coming forward, although most were unable to speak publicly or in court due to confidentiality agreements they were required to sign.
The documentary suggests there have been few real consequences for the CEO’s alleged actions.
These themes may be distressing for viewers affected by sexual violence.
Nudity and sexual references
There is some nudity, including images of breasts during photoshoots and a video showing an outfit malfunction that exposes a breast with a nipple cover.
Advertisements for American Apparel feature models in highly suggestive poses, with comparisons made to "softcore porn."
A video also briefly shows a naked man, though his genitals are blurred.
A character briefly reflects on their previous job as a phone sex operator.
Offensive language
There is frequent use of offensive language throughout the documentary, both in interviews and in archival footage. Words such as “f**k,” “sh*t,” “slut,” “cum,” “bitch,” and “cock” are used.
Inappropriate and explicit text messages between Dov Charney and employees are revealed, including highly sexualised language, such as, “Your ass in that photo is the perfect cum target.”
Footage also shows Charney verbally abusing staff, including shouting insults like, “You f**king idiot.”
Helplines:
The sexual violence themes could be upsetting for some viewers, especially for those who have gone through similar experiences. If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:
Further information
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