Last Friday, The Boston Globe’s Spotlight Team published a painstakingly researched piece detailing the wide-spread abuse and harassment models face within the world of high-fashion. And even with all of the recent revelations and accusations that have come out in the last six months, the level of depravity is shocking.
Speaking with more than 50 models that were “emboldened by the #MeToo movement,” the report detailed the “sexual misconduct they experienced on the job, from inappropriate touching to assaults.”
“Collectively, these models — predominantly females, although also males — made credible allegations of sexual misconduct against at least 25 photographers, agents, stylists, casting directors, and other industry professionals.
And as has (thankfully) become common practice, the models named names. “The accused men include some of the most well-known powerbrokers in the multibillion-dollar fashion industry,” the story said, “and were often named by multiple women — in one case, seven — for alleged sexual misconduct.
“Among them: Patrick Demarchelier, who was Princess Diana’s personal photographer; David Bellemere, whose photos have appeared on the covers of Elle and Marie Claire Italy; and Greg Kadel, who has shot for mega brands like Victoria’s Secret and Vogue.”
Also named were photographers Andre Passos and Seth Sabal, and stylist Karl Templer, and while all the accused deny the allegations, because Spotlight is Spotlight, they have receipts.
“In many instances, Spotlight reporters verified the accounts with third parties or examined records such as e-mails.”
Abbey Lee, “an Australian model who, despite having been fondled on sets, describes herself as ‘one of the lucky ones,’” (that’s where the industry is at) told the Globe, “If people really understood what goes on behind the glamour of the industry, they would be mortified.”
You can read more about it at The Boston Globe.
