Fashion’s Complete Disregard of Sexual Abuse is Letting A Photographer Off The Hook

This article was written by SVAW guest writer and fashion blogger, Alex Perry.

We’ve all heard the saying “with great power comes great responsibility,” but what happens when that power is abused?

In an article from Business Insider, Sara Ziff, founder of The Model Alliance, revealed some unsettling statistics about models in today’s industry. According to Ziff, nearly 1 in 3 girls have reported inappropriate touching at work, and over a quarter have been pressured to engage in sex in the workplace. 86.8% of models have been asked to pose nude on the spot, without prior notice. 

But are models the victim of badly booked gigs, or a deeper disturbance in the industry? Why is it that the likes of Vogue, GQ, Vibe, Complex, and others commend the sexploitation of models?

One man’s work has received so much attention; his style of photography is immediately recognized.

Fondly named “fashion’s favorite pervert,” the infamous Terry Richardson enjoys a high level of prestige for his 1970’s porn aesthetic. Perpetuating a disturbing vision of pedophilia and exploitation, Richardson’s models are no strangers to questionable poses, emotional shots and unimaginable requests.

Models have come forth to the media with stories about an oddly excited Richardson, requesting to be called “Uncle Terry,” who is eager to for them to fondle and photograph his penis.

According to jezebel.com’s 2010 article on Richardson, he has said: “It’s not who you know, it’s who you blow. I don’t have a hole in my jeans for nothing.”

Rumors about the photographer sexually abusing models have been rampant for years.

Richardson responded to allegations in March of this year stating, “Believing such rumors at face value does a disservice not only to the spirit of artistic endeavor, but most importantly, to the real victims of exploitation and abuse.” In attempt to clear his name, Richardson rebuttals accusations as sensationalized lies, the result of sloppy journalism.

Regardless his statement, the evidence and impact of his behavior has been common knowledge in the fashion world for over a decade. Though this hasn’t done much to tarnish his professional reputation.

Just last year, Complex magazine’s online style section published a list of Richardson’s “100 Sexiest Photo Shoots” praising the photographer for capturing his subject’s “raw sexuality.” Even more unfortunate? Complex posted: “Also keep in mind that we can’t include full nudity, so some of our original faves had to cropped or excluded altogether.”

Hollywood’s favorite wild child, Miley Cyrus, recently caused controversy for wearing a shirt saying, “I Was Touched By Terry.” It is truly unfortunate a young girl with such power over her audience is reinforcing a pathetically lighthearted view on towards Richardson’s persona.

In purchasing and publishing his work, the fashion industry is allowing someone’s perverted fantasies to become the norm. Models should not have to combat against almost an 87% likelihood that their naked body be available upon request.

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