More than 50 models reveal the bitter dark side of the modeling profession

Following the #MeToo movement (calling for reporting sexual abuse in the entertainment industry), the pageBoston GlobeMore than 50 models - mostly female - have spoken out, bringing their stories to light.

Some victims are willing to reveal their identities, but others want to remain anonymous because they are still working in the fashion industry and fear retaliation.

At least 25 people, including photographers, stylists, and casting directors, have been accused of sexually abusing models. Those accused include Patrick Demarchelier - who was Princess Diana's personal photographer, photographer David Bellemere, Greg Kadel (who photographed for Victoria's Secret, Vogue, and Vogue).Vogue), Andre Passos, Seth Sabal.

Celebrity stylist Karl Templer - who has worked with Coach, Zara and Tommy Hilfiger - also makes the list.

Nearly 60% of the models interviewed said that sexual and financial abuse of young girls in the fashion industry is a regular occurrence. Sexual abuse can include forced kissing or even rape.

British model Chloe Hayward angrily shared: "People can see pictures of me in lingerie, but that's purely work, not an invitation to bed."

However, very few models choose to protest because they do not want to affect their careers.

According toBoston GlobeMost of the accused denied that the models were confusing posing instructions with physical contact. They disagreed that the victims' names were kept secret.

Photographer Patrick Demarchelier was accused by a former female assistant and 6 other women of sexually harassing him while working, such as touching his private parts and breasts... An anonymous model said that 4 years ago, Demarchelier proactively made an indecent offer to her, along with a promise to help her advance her career.

However, she refused outright and immediately left the hotel in Paris - where the photo shoot took place: "At first, I wasn't sure if I understood correctly. But then he repeated every word. I said, 'You should feel ashamed. I'll never see you again'."

"People are always looking for ways to take advantage of you. There was a time when I thought, do I have to do this to be successful? Do anything?", the model added.

ReplyBoston GlobePatrick Demarchelier insists the allegations are untrue and that he has never groped any model he has worked with. "They are lying, they are making up their own stories. It's ridiculous," he added.

Similarly, Seth Sabal has been accused of abusing teenage models. Victims said the incidents occurred in the mid-2000s. One victim said she was asked to drink alcohol and take off her underwear for a photo shoot. However, Sabal's attorney has denied all allegations.

Former model Dasha Alexander said Andre Passos had groped her private parts to make the photos more emotional. She was 15 years old at the time.

Passos, who now lives in Brazil, told reportersGlobe: "I've heard enough of such silly stories. I'm just a victim like those girls. They came out at a young age, while this profession has so many bad things."

Many models say that sexual abuse is becoming more common because management companies do not protect models. They only care about money and profit.

Furthermore, the lifespan of a model is very short, so agencies tend to be more loyal to the photographer. Managers also often remind models that there are many beautiful young girls ready to replace them.

An anonymous model said that when she first entered the fashion industry, her manager took her to a party in New York. There, adults offered her alcohol and cocaine.

At the end of the party, when the model was drunk, Greg Kadel took her straight back to the hotel. The next day, she told her agency about the incident and was advised to keep quiet because Kadel worked with many big brands and magazines.

"I cried and was very disappointed. But my manager told me it was a good thing, it would help me develop my career." Indeed, Kadel later helped this model have the opportunity to cooperate with the famous lingerie brand Victoria's Secret. However, after a while, she decided to stop working with Kadel.

Since the shocking scandal of Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein in 2017, more and more "big names" in the fashion industry have been exposed, such as photographers Mario Testino and Bruce Weber. Recently, the co-founder of the Guess brand - Paul Marciano - was accused of sexual assault by model Kate Upton.

However, experts say there is still a long way to go to improve the working environment for models. Recent events are just a few small steps.

Share with pageGlobe, a senior employee of Calvin Klein said that in the coming weeks, the company will introduce new policies to protect models such as written agreements before each photo shoot (whether nude or semi-nude photos are included), as well as regulations on reporting abuse.