According to the Model Alliance, data demonstrates that models are placed in vulnerable positions. 54.7% of models begin working between the ages of 13 to 16. 28% of surveyed models stated that their parent or guardian never attended castings or jobs with them.
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After decades of being relegated to the shadows, the prevalence of sexual assault in the media and film industry has been thrust to the forefront following the accusations against Harvey Weinstein. After a few individuals came forward, their actions spurred a revolution. Seeing the bravery of these women and men, and recognizing that they were not alone, victims began to speak up against those who had wronged and violated them. The #MeToo and #TimesUp movements demonstrate the wide scale in which these crimes were and are occurring. However, these movements did not stop there, and spread beyond Hollywood into the fashion industry. Now, some of the most renowned photographers stand accused. Photographers such as Mario Testino, Terry Richardson and Bruce Weber, long seen as pioneers and key figures of the fashion industry are now faced with the accusations of dozens of models and assistants for inappropriate behavior. Claims of sexual assault have surrounded Richardson since 2001, but they have not been acknowledged until recently. All men have denied the claims. Nevertheless, Vogue Creative Director, Anna Wintour, has stated that the magazine will not be working with these photographers in the “foreseeable future,” according to the New York Times. Conde Nast has also stopped working with these photographers. This refusal to work with those accused of sexual assault sets an important precedent of zero tolerance in the fashion industry. According to the Model Alliance, data demonstrates that models are placed in vulnerable positions. 54.7% of models begin working between the ages of 13 to 16. 28% of surveyed models stated that their parent or guardian never attended castings or jobs with them. Additionally, success in the fashion industry often relies on a model moving to a large city. Often times, the model’s family cannot overcome the financial barrier necessary to move to a new locale. The Model Alliance further highlights the toll this profession can take on an emotional level. It records that 68.3% of models suffer from depression or anxiety. Some of these issues may stem from exposure to illegal substances. Models estimate that 76.5% have been exposed to drugs and/or alcohol while working. The combination unattended and impressionable young models along with aforementioned work-related hazards leads to an environment ripe for infringement of its workers. In a culture where increased risk is the unfortunate status quo, sexual assault/objectification is all too prevalent and appeared to be normalized based on this frequency and lack of punitive measures. Model Alliance reports that 86.8% of models have been asked to be nude without advance notice. Of that percentage, 27.5% of models posed nude because they felt they needed too, despite their personal qualms and discomfort. 29.7% of models reported being touched in-
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appropriately while working, while 28% of surveyed models reported being pressured to engage in sexual relations with someone at work. Model Alliance is a non-profit organization that delves into research, policy, and advocacy, hoping to make the fashion industry safer and more equal. Founded by Sarah Ziff in 2012 with the support of other models, the organization has been instrumental in the publicity of passing several bills (one that would give child models the same protection as other child performers in 2013) and studies (81.5% of models have an underweight BMI in 2017). As the Model Alliance exemplifies, the industry is fighting back. Model Cameron Russell posted stories submitted anonymously by other models on her Instagram. She included the hashtag #MyJobShouldNotIncludeAbuse, highlighting how safe working conditions are not a privilege but should be a right across all lines of work. Recognizing how essential it is to fix this devastating issue, work has begun to combat sexual assault through far-reaching policies and legislation. New York State Assemblywoman Nily Rozic in conjunction with the Model Alliance has drafted a bill titled the Model’s Harassment Protection Act. Under this bill, it is noted that the terms apply to models whether they are independent workers or are hired under an agency/are employees. Currently, as most models are independent workers, they are excluded from the legislative protections guaranteed to other workers. Additionally, according to Women’s Wear Daily, some New York modeling agencies qualify themselves as management companies and violate the “incidental booking” clause, meaning that they can avoid certain accountabilities with regards to their clients. With all of these implementations, it seems clear that the fashion industry has taken a stand, and time is indeed up.
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Article by: Jen Teng, Graphic Courtesy
