Photographer Terry Richardson Has Been Blacklisted Following Years Of Harassment Allegations

A number of world’s best-selling magazines and fashion labels have blacklisted Terry Richardson, the notorious photographer who for decades has been accused of sexually harassing models during his shoots.

Richardson is one of the world’s most famous photographers. He’s photographed the likes of Barack Obama, Kim Kardashian, Kate Moss and Bella Hadid, and shot the music videos for Miley Cyrus’ ‘Wrecking Ball’ and Beyonce’s ‘XO’. But he has also long been the subject of disturbing allegations, with a number of models accusing him of sexually inappropriate behaviour.

Richardson has been accused of unwanted sexual contact, and asking women to simulate sex acts on the set of his shoots. One woman has accused him of pressing his penis against her face during a shoot in 2008.

Although the allegations against Richardson have been public knowledge for years, they have received further attention in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal.

Fashion brands Valentino and Bulgari have both confirmed to The Guardian that they will no longer work with Richardson, with a spokesperson for Valentino telling the publication that they “take these allegations seriously”. Their decision comes shortly after it was revealed that media company Conde Nast International would also be cutting ties with the celebrity photographer.

Conde Nast owns leading magazines including Vogue, Teen Vogue, GQ, Glamour and Vanity Fair. On Monday, James Woolhouse, the company’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, sent an email to staff announcing the decision.

“Condé Nast would like to no longer work with the photographer Terry Richardson,” read the email. “Any shoots that have been commission[ed] or any shoots that have been completed but not yet published, should be killed and substituted with other material.”

In a statement sent to BuzzFeed, a spokesperson for Richardson said he was “disappointed” to hear about the Conde Nast email, “especially because he has previously addressed these old stories”.

“[Richardson] is an artist who has been known for his sexually explicit work so many of his professional interactions with subjects were sexual and explicit in nature but all of the subjects of his work participated consensually,” the statement read.

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If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

Men can access anonymous confidential telephone counselling to help to stop using violent and controlling behaviour through the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.

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Feature image via Wikimedia