Iconic ‘SEX’ Shop To Blame For Sex Pistol Managers Death
The fashion world was saddened last week by the death of former Sex Pistols manager and punk fashion leader Malcolm McLaren, after he lost his battle with cancer, aged 64.
McLaren was known by many for setting up his ‘SEX’ clothing shop in 1974 with the grand dame of British punk dressing, Vivienne Westwood, where they pushed the boundaries of fashion and supplied the outrageous clothing that dressed an anarchic generation.
But it has been suggested that it was the shop he loved so much which ultimately lead to his death, after he was exposed to asbestos during his time there. It is though that there was board asbestos within the building and this was disturbed when McLaren made some alterations to the shop.
In keeping with the shops anarchic theme McLaren had ripped down some of the ceiling material inside the shop as he wanted it to look bomb damaged, and it was in this ceiling that there was board asbestos, a known cause of lung cancer. Following the renovation Malcolm (and indeed Vivienne), spent a great deal of his time in the shop, meaning he was continually exposed to asbestos.
Lung Cancer is a common type of cancer linked to those who have been exposed to asbestos over a period of time. It makes breathing difficult as it develops in the tissue around the lungs and so decreased breathing capacity.
Years after his time in the shop McLaren became sure that he had developed cancer, but his concerns were apparently brushed off, and the spots on his lungs were dismissed as benign. It was only last year, when his lungs filled with fluid, that his condition was diagnosed, but it is unclear whether an earlier diagnosis would have made a difference.
While those close to Malcolm, and the fashion and music worlds come to terms with his death, his partner is considering whether or not to make a complaint relating to the doctor involved.
Need more information on exposure to asbestos? Chester solicitor Oliver & Co are asbestos experts and their site has more details relating to asbestos and its effects.