I Was Sexually Abused as a Male Model | Informer 

WATCH NEXT: An autopsy technician reveals the gruesome details of his profession - dissecting thousands of bodies in determining their cause of death. - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-3q3V0LZ4HTQ.html

"if me too really worked, top designers would be in prison right now" damn

When he mentioned "a famous designer" , it makes you think if a person, musician or actor you are idolizing is not what you think he or her is and it's sad

I remember my son’s first modeling gig. They told me to leave him backstage and someone would help him get dressed. He was 4. I said I think not; his dad stayed backstage to help him and monitor the situation. He was suppose to walk the runway. After we didn’t agree to leave our son; they had him be a standstill model. . My husband stayed with him. Be careful who you leave or trust your children with. My son had a few more jobs. Then, he said he wanted to play sports. Never went back to modeling.

Im a female who started modelling at 22. I almost got trafficked twice, I was sexually abused 3x by men and humiliated numerous times about my body and other personal things by both female and male photographers, in as little as under 8 months of starting. The modelling world is incredibly scary and horrifying, you have NO say in what you do and if you think you’re safe with an agency…you are NOT! All an agency wants is money, they could care less about your well-being. They’ll talk all sweet to you when you apply and say how they are so concerned with safety and how they have all these protocols in place and that their number one priority is your well being but when it comes down to it, money talks for them 6 months into my modelling, my manger said and I quote: “If you don’t preform and do as the client wants you to, you’re fired” and if you I think *oh I’ll just go to different agency* they’re all connected and will know you “didn’t preform” for another client. I was told countless times that if I didn’t pose nude or do what the client wanted that I would be put on the back burner and fired. You get 3 strikes and you’re out. In your whole entire career no matter how long you work for them wether it be 2 years or 20 years you say NO 3x and your agency will boot you (at least this was what happened to me and my agency). I worked for a high end modelling agency in New York. Everyone please, please, consider the risks you are going to put yourselves in. Modelling looks so enticing because it sounds so glamours and luxurious…it’s anything but that. There was so many situations that I thought I was safe or was going to be safe and I wasn’t. These are greedy, creepy, conniving and disgusting individuals. You are nothing but property to them that they can sell and use. You are a barcode and nothing else. Ps. I stopped modelling 5 years ago and I’m so gosh darn happy I did 🥹I’m married and have a little girl and a little baby boy, knowing what I know now…I would NEVER EVER put my children into any sort of modelling no matter how much they begged me to. People don’t know and don’t understand what goes on behind the scenes. Be safe y’all 💕

It's disgusting how someone can do something so invasive to you, and get away with it, and not feel any remorse as if they didnt harm or affect a soul.

Alexander Wang’s many instances of abuse came out this year, God knows how many other designers took advantage of young models

My Dad did some modeling for Ebony Magazine when I was a child. During my adult years I was one of six applicants, out of 85, selected to begin modeling in Canada. I had no prior experience, but was told I didn't need it. They would train me as a floor model before advancing me to Runway! I was crazy thrilled and phoned my Dad to share the good news! After a brief silence, he yelled through the phone, "You're not going anywhere!! All they want to do is make a prositute out of you! That's how they lure you in!" I didn't understand it, but just the sound of his anger caused me to reconsider! So he probably saw a lot of wrongdoing when he was a part of the modeling industry. Sometime after my experience, another beautiful, model shared with a small group of us ladies that she was offered a modeling position with Ford Motor Company. But, during the interview, she was told that she would first have to sleep with the interviewer,(executive) and two other company Executives. She gracefully declined and walked out! So, I know that stuff like this really happens!

I am a photographer and I know know how world of fashion works. I shot portraits but I never engage professional models. I tell to every young woman that tells me that her wish is to become a model, to forget about it. What this man says is true. It was very disappointing to discover that some older generation photographers, that actually made a fashion photography history, were/are predators. No one is safe, men, women, teens...

A lot of these industries that are glamorized are straight up exploitive and promote all types of abuse. It’s crazy because you’d think it’s under our noses but sometimes it’s right in your face

I can confirm a lot of what this guy said. I'm a woman and I used to model starting in college. The agency treats you like cattle, they pressure you to do SO many things you don't want to do, threatening blacklisting, saying another model would be happy to and that you'll never make it with that negative attitude. They even have an industry term for any model who gains weight, gets pregnant or ages past 30: "self-destructed". It's so, so demeaning. "Why not just leave then"? Why don't you leave a bad job? You need the money, you're beaten down and broken to the point where you just go along with it cuz you're told if you just do this, you'll be rewarded with so much money, you'll be well off, you'll be set for life, etc. It's a lie. It's all a lie.

So true, such a disgusting industry!! I started working in the modeling industry at the age of 22. I had numerous sex offers from (older) men. Also, I have to admit that I saw models offering their bodies to the designers or other staff only to secure a spot in the runway show or to get a campaign. And, after attending several fashion shows, private parties, red-carpet events, etc. I quit that era for me. I could have done some bigger things but the money wasn't worth it to me - my soul is not for sale. Now, I'm earning money with my brain and not my "body".

A friend of mine He was 6'2 He was good-looking and had 6 pack abs He always used to work out Like so yeah he had the potential to be a top notch model and he was even eager to join if he gets an opportunity And yeah someone in his family had ties to people in the modelling industry And that person told him to continue his studies and to not accept any offers from any modelling agents or go after modelling as a career(no offense)(thats just what he said) And told him that the offers would be lucrative but the amount of money wouldn't suffice for the things that happens and there would be nothing left to do once anything's been done Well he was at that time in an engineering college and was doing well And yeah he never accepted any offers from any modelling agents And now i get that why that person didn't want him to get into modelling And yeah he looking at the big super models I can tell you that yeah he would've been a top model too But now he's a great engineer and has a job and is planning to do his masters soon

Dear Vice, maybe give them hand gloves as well to make them even more anonymous? Thank you for sharing your story!!

Kendall Jenner saying she made it with her talent is bullcrap. She made it all because of Kim's fame and her mother Kris's network otherwise she would have to go through all this and still wouldn't have made it.

I am a new model and i've witnessed this almost immediately. the worst thing about this is that you can do lots of hard work building your name and portfolio, and all you have to do is reject that one CD or photographer and you will never see a job in the industry again. I've literally seen this happen countless times. Stay Safe out there guys

Could we have these people put gloves on and get an accent change for these interviews that way we can be sure that no one can identify them. Gloves to not reveal their skin color and an accent change for obvious reasons. Not saying Vice is doing a bad job at keeping them safe but I feel like these apparent small things could make a difference.

they need to start name dropping or giving hints on who they are talking about. I would want to stop spending my money on designers and companies that abuse their models and workers in such ways

I dabbled in modeling ages ago and it really pissed me off... The amount of designers, stylists, photographers, agents etc that thought it was OK to touch me inappropriately. I didn't put up with it like a lot of other boys did. As a result, I lost out on several jobs. No regrets though.

My mother almost had me model for Abercrombie as a kid out of my own wishes, but she pulled me out before I could even get started. I’m grateful now that she did. These poor people are practically sex workers

can't help but think vice should've covered his hands as well as to not reveal his race. a black british male model who have been in billboards and fashion shows across the world (even mentioned the specific places as well) seems like a lot of information and could've given away his identity

My friend and I both worked as male models for a while in Asia. During a casting, he was sexually assaulted by one of the people who make the decision on which models they’re going to take, the assaulter forced himself onto my friend. I on the other hand have been molested multiple by much older women and they’d play it off as just “teasing” despite my clear discomfort. It really isn’t just rich old creepy men preying on young models, rich old creepy women do the same thing. It’s quite sad because everyone thinks being a model means a glamorous life and amazing parties, but in reality most of us are constantly on guard against potential abusers.

Actually having to pay thousands of dollars for a hangbag or a piece of clothing is simply a form of abuse already.

This is so true. I met with an agency in Toronto in my teens. They asked me weird questions which I don’t exactly remember, but my answers were straight and veiled threats. I knew by the way I answered and the facial expressions I got, and how I had people waiting for me in the other room that they’d never call me back. They’re looking for weak people and won’t hire anyone they think will be trouble. I’ve never been intimidated by anyone, I don’t care if they’re the president of earth, idolizing people or an industry or money won’t make you powerful. You’re already powerful. Just wish I’d faked it long enough to have a reason sue before they kicked me out.

My bro and I used to be models for a major London agency a while ago. I can defo relate to this dude, although my experiences were less intense, it was defo rife in the industry at the time. I remember going to a casting once at one of the top photographers houses (he used to shoot for Vogue) and he literally just straight up asked my bro and me which of us had the biggest Johnson and we wanted to 'party'. I know guys who did favours to get them ahead. The whole industry is effectively selling a derivative of sex, which makes it ultra sexually charged, which is fucked. Much respect to the dude talking out.

I know his pain I was sexually abused as a child while I was in the foster care system from the age of 9-14. Don’t be afraid be strong and tell yourself story I fully support you.

It makes me think that dreaming of being a model or a pop star is a falsehood. The part where he said that you sell a part of your soul for that truly hit home. I guess I don't wanna dream of becoming a huge public figure, cuz the cost is just too high. Thanks for opening my eyes by sharing your story.

i was scouted by an agency in my mothers home country when i was little and my mother didn’t let them sign me. i’ve always dreamt of becoming a model but i’m starting to feel great full that my mother didn’t allow it.

Wow I know his pain. I was a male model from my mid teens into early adulthood. The abuse it rampant and unchecked, the unwanted touching, sexual requests, treated like a dog is an understatement. I've seen a model give the agency director to keep to spot and not get dropped. I had potentially caught the flu, and was being pushed to audition for a big client, last minute, day of with no notice. I said no and got dropped a mouth later and never paid my back due money. Never again will I ever model professionally. Thank you for coming to my Ted talk. Edit: spelling

The fact that this video hasn’t gone viral after a month, that tells how the media or the industry work. I’m a woman, but I’ve always felt that the male version of me too is equally important, if everyone understand what EQUAL means.

Thank you Vice for putting this out. I was groomed by my mother agent when I was 19 and at the time I really didn’t know what was going on. Looking back I realized how predatory my mother agent was and it’s really horrific looking back. It can happen to anybody, especially in this modeling industry. The modeling industry is legit a nightmare.

This made me want to reveal my story too. I’m a male, a minor, writing this. My mom decided to put me into the modeling industry a year ago. There were so many red flags that my mom decided not to notice. Thank god I decided not to pursue this path as I convinced my mom several times not to choose this career. Firstly, the agency I went to were very hesitant when my father decided to come with me to my photographer in the studio. One lady said, “generally we don’t allow parents in here but…uh…we will let it happen this time.” Took a few pictures of me up close, making me really uncomfortable. Secondly, they decided to put makeup on me without asking. I’m not that comfortable with makeup personally, and later she said, “oh yeah generally it’s required to have makeup on whether you like it or not”. Third, the photographer. He’s gay, which I might sound homophobic but his sexuality made me very uncomfortable as a straight kid. He kept asking for these weird poses and all. He would take my to weird locations around the buildings we were in, thankfully with my mom watching he really didn’t do anything. I was told he was a photographer for vogue and all, but none of his credentials were ever given to my family when asked. Finally, the “portfolio.” The agency wanted me to setup a portfolio for brands and stuff, and they said an all inclusive package cost $3000? I’m sorry what? For a website and a small business card and useless miscellaneous shenanigans you want me to pay 3 grand? And the pictures I took that day, I couldn’t even take them home with me, I needed to pay for 64$ for 3 of them. The pictures that were given to me were watermarked by their agency. I had another modeling classmate that said agencies shouldn’t be that sketchy, but that day I learned that all modeling agencies want is money and how you look. Safety? No. Lesson learned: modeling is risky.

Ive been a male model for over a decade and saw this abuse ALL the time withen, women, everyome it didnt matter. We were treated like cockroaches. Im so glad he spoke up.... 💙💙💙💙

isn’t it like really high risk for him to publicly speak up in a video like this? i know his identity is mostly hidden but i’m sure them rich people gonna find a way to track him down if they want to. Props to him man, I hope he’s safe.

Based on the way he explains how some of these people, with exceptional wealth, behave in this industry, I suspect as soon as you accept their terms and begin to "soar" in this industry, they'll just pass you around to others like them.

Wow, this is so infuriating to hear how models are treated in this industry. So much insanity, and I can't help but wonder about the stories that we never hear about. I hope they one day are held responsible for what they have done.

In my mid 20's I ended up meeting this girl who was a model, who was big enough to be on a few magazine covers in Europe, She invited me to some parties and because I look well, people assumed I was a model etc. These parties had people from different parts of the industry, and many from fetish scene, pro photographers etc. I won't repeat some of the things I saw, but after two parties and someone drugging me to do things to me (they were unsuccessful). I never went back despite being crowded by models and having back to back sex and endless "treats" and being invited to secret parties at mansions etc. Some of the most deeply unhappy people I have ever met in my life and I never had another thought of being a model again.

It's been probably 16 years since I left the modelling industry, refusing to lose more weight. Before I turned 19, I had been blacklisted by clients for expressing interest in things outside fashion, I had been working 13 hour days, living off carrot juice and apples, having to pass weekly weigh-ins and measuring (you weren't allowed to gain an inch anywhere despite being a growing teen girl). Right after I turned 18, I was manipulated into taking nudes for a national magazine, and my agency didn't protect me. Before I turned 18, I had managers (agents) who tried to manipulate me into having sex with them, and frankly, I don't know where I got the courage to say no. Two models from my agency died from eating disorders in the year after I quit. Several others I knew were given drugs on the job more or less constantly. I damn sure made much less money than the girls who did whatever people wanted. I would never recommend that industry to anyone, ever. Models of all genders are absolutely treated like dogs, like robots. Non-human things, to be used and exploited.

I knew I wasn’t built for this I talk too much and it amazes me that people can get sexually assaulted and then turn off like it never happened and keep up the front for so long it’s crazy

My sister actually saw it when she started doing underground modeling. She saw that a lot of the models were sleeping with the photographers and she wouldn’t get that many jobs because you refuse to do that.

Sexual abuse can happen in places/industries where most think it can’t happpen. Be aware and vigilant because it is a problem and someone close to you can be hurting from it.

Thank you for sharing your story.... REAL content from VICE ..I like this style of vid, thank you.

I'm here for you brother. I was also abused as a model but I'm naming names. It's time the industry has a major reboot

The thrill isn't the fact you're performing a sexual activity. It's the power they have over another human being that gets them off.

Blokes get sexually assaulted all the time, it’s just that we shrug it off sadly.

I’m terrified of rich people like the ones described in this video because they’ve forgotten what it is to be human. They lack empathy and see themselves as gods due to their wealth and other people as beneath them. The drugs, the coercion, all of it is just terrible.

My mother used to be a model and after 3 times on the catwalk she decided to quit ASAP because of how much she hated it. She never told me why, but i think i know.

Celebs and hashtags never helped people, it's just an illusion

It sucks because it's nearly impossible to be a change maker in the industry. These models are getting blacklisted for simply trying to mind their own business and say no to sex. Imagine how screwed someone would be if they actually openly challenged the status quo and tried to change things.

The more I hear these stories the more I do appreciate simplicity in lifestyle and non-toxique environment

The fact that I can tell who this model is should be alarming to you guys (VICE). Please protect these people by more than just giving them a mask to wear. Accents should be changed as well.

As a photographer I lost my largest client due to turning away the Art Buyer one night when they knocked on my hotel room door at midnight. The next day my agent called me up while I was still shooting the job and asked me what happened. Said the AB called her and told her I was the most unprofessional photographer they ever worked with and I was done with the brand. This was after shooting national campaigns for three years for this client. Wasn’t the first or only time either for me and goes back to even being an assistant. This industry sucks in may ways for a lot involved. You can’t be a good or moral person in this business and reach the top.

It’s sad because me as a male minor I have gone to casting and done work with some photographers and it isn’t always the most comfortable situations sometimes they touch more than they should

My friends daughter started acting proffesionally at five and had a good career and earned her SAG card at ten. At 11 the jobs changed and wanted her in a bikini and heels . Even one of the people working on the set told her things change at this age for girls and it's not just cute and fun anymore but it's perverted. So she stopped immediately. The manager called and offered more money and even found her boyfriends number and called him when she stopped answering the agencies calls. So many mothers unfortunately are willing to sell their children.

I've been abused as well. The photographer who was shooting me told me to get nude and he removed my underwear without my concent all of a sudden and told me to hold my stuff until he eventually said to let go and be relaxed. It was a horrible moment since then I decided not to do modelling again.

TBH that's why I never tried to be a model. I've been told I should, but there are just way too many horror stories about the entire industry for me to feel like it would have been worth the risk.

"if something like Me Too was genuine- there would be top level designers, photographers in prison right now..." That's because even the 'Me Too' movement is run by power abusers. It's a scapegoat. 'Look over there at these couple dudes who did something wrong, so you forget all about the abuse we're still dishing over here'

I contemplated modeling, but I decided to pass it up in very early March 2020 myself given how much toxicity goes on, and what the people misbehaving in whatever way are able to do, and not get caught when they don’t care when they see all the models feeling really hurt! There’s way too many narcissists in this industry, Hollywood, etc. if you want to be happy, and avoid ptsd that can potentially last for the rest of your life, don’t model because it’s your choice and you can always decide to say no.

What's so awful is that what he's saying is not just confined to the modelling/fasion industry; this is rampant in the music industry, tv & movie industries, in fact ALL industries where there is wealth & power involved on a large scale. This is just the tip of the iceberg, it's bad enough when this kind of abuse is happening to adults but most ppl have no idea that with great wealth you can buy whatever you like... and there are a lot of very wealthy ppl who are more interested in young children, babies even... when you find out this sort of information, it will quite literally make you want to vomit... and cry & cry & cry.... this is such a desperately sick & evil world we live in & the veil is finally starting to lift to expose what has been hidden for far too long for all to see.

This is the content we expect from vice.

This was pretty dark. I hope models can form a strong union movement in the near future and tear these bastards down. The ultra wealthy and powerful are always so disgusting.

this is happened to me my whole life since I was 12, people don't respect you if they see you as attractive. Many people don't see past the surface it's kind of crazy.

Went out with a former male model and he told about how common it is to the point he had to leave as much as he enjoy actually modeling

The sad part of this, is that no one out there will really fight on the dark side of these stories. Money is power. If they wanted to, they'd remove you for worth a couple tens of thousands of dollars. Reality of the world.

This has happened for a loooong time. If you watch “The Most Beautiful Boy in the world”, a documentary film abt a male model from Sweden (I think his name is Bjorn??), he was a male model whose face inspired so many mangaka in Japan in 1980s. He was so famous in Japan bc of his pretty face. He is old now but he confided that he was sexually abused since the age of 14 yo. For new models, actors.. if you want to make it in this glamorous celebrity world, YOU HAVE to be willing to do anything the higher ups want. Now the questions is…… why no one get prison yet? Reveal the big players?? Yes there are some who already got jailed. But I feel they were only the small fries, scapegoats bc THIS is still happens now..

Oh hunny, I’m so sorry this happened to you, but I know this story from your prospective better than you think. I met my second cousin for the first time when I turned 21, and she was 18. She was on a drug binge and wanted nothing to do with me. Her mom (my 1st cousin who didn’t know any better) let her daughter go to newyork to be a runway model, and that she did. Idk how famous she got bc I didn’t care, but what mattered was her demeanor after she left nyc. She had a serious addiction that she wound up beating, and now she’s a gorgeous hair stylist in the town that she lives in, covered in tattoos and is even more gorgeous than what she used to to be. My mom was adopted, but what’s weird is she and I do look alike. It’s all crazy to us. But you don’t see a lot of models who make it out of the industry alive. Thanks for telling us your story.

The stuff that he said about rich people having tons of drugs proves that money doesn't make you happy.

I'm not surprised at all. There's a lot of twisted wickedness in this world and it has become normal.

I’m a Realtor & leased out an apartment to a male model in New York. And I got talking to the model about the industry as I was interested in pursuing modeling. Sure enough he said the same thing about tyson beckford. He said their is no way that man stayed at the top this long without doing something sexual

Very informative. I already expected this kind of stuff but hearing it first-hand is different.

Man, you show SO MUCH bravery by showing us what you and some others came through. Respect.

It’s the ugliest nightmare born from the prettiest dreams, millions of people trying to get on the scene, and everyone’s selling they souls, everyone claimin’ they woke, but they sleep, walking dead, eyes closed - Ye

My dad was a model photographer in the earlys 60s and the stories he told me about the "industry" is straight up terrible. He did it for 5 years until he couldnt handle it anymore. Never looked back

Makes you wonder how much the top models had to endure.

This is so messed up man. Nobody deserves to go through that. Thankyou Vice for putting out such real stories out there. The glamour of the modeling world covers up the real exploitation happening behind the scenes.

I remember a certain outspoken model in the early 2010s who wrote a book describing how the modelling industry was just sex work. To get jobs, you usually have to “pay” your way through sex and the catalogues and modelling agencies would double up as escort agencies for rich men. Modelling pays peanuts and the work is inconsistent so sex work is what they do to earn a living.

So basically what he’s saying is if you ever see a model for a big brand they’ve been groomed and sold their soul.

The sad thing is, after watching this video and hundreds of people, other models, corroborating his story... it's still happening. That's the sad part. How do you change a broken system?

He’s talking about the IlumiNATTI

Explains why everyone who models on the cat walk at those weird ass Gucci or LV shows look like they’re absolutely dead inside and a lot of them malnourished

This kind of abuse and exploitation has existed in the modeling, film and music industries for years. I'm happy this guy came forward and told his story. It's so sad and disgusting that powerful people with money get away with this type of atrocitious behavior. Those who are victimized need to speak up and warn those who want to enter these industries that it's not all glamour and red carpets. There is a seedy, sleazy underbelly that needs to be exposed for sure.

Wow!!! That is so freaking terrible!!!🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

Vice? Keep it up with the informer series Thank you for this its eye opening

It's time that our men need to be heard and taken seriously and they deserve justice just as much a woman you're a warrior for being so damn brave

The point about the Me Too movement was painful... it has done a lot but so many of these scumbags are still around unfortunately

This landed on my suggested videos and though I won’t be watching it. My heart goes out to the person who experienced that. I’m so sorry.

I hope things get better for you. Thanks for sharing your story.

he's very well-spoken, a good choice for this series, and very enlightening as well. Thank you VICE for shedding light on this.

These VICE vids are so raw, I’m just speechless at this point-

More people need to speak up against people like the ones he described. It's not worth the abuse. There's millions of ways to make money, you shouldn't have to endure abuse to pay your rent. And the fact that these sickos always get away with it. I believe in revenge

Thanks for sharing your experience with the public.

I've always wanted to be a model since I was a kid and I've been proposed several times to become one. I'm thankful I rejected all these proposals as I imagined how toxic and self destructive it can be, although I keep thinking about it everyday.

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask and he'll tell you the truth” ~ Oscar Wilde

This makes me even more determine to learn how to make my own clothes...it's all blood money, there is no comfort we enjoy that didn't come at another's soul price.

This is such a brave man, bless him. I pray he's found peace and he knows how much we support and believe him. I hope he knows how thankful we are for him sharing his story. 💜

Aww, I’m so so sorry honey 🥺💓 I feel so bad for you and hope you can have a healthy recovery

This happens big time in the music industry as well.

Models need to start secretly audio recording when they go into meetings/castings etc, purely for safety and evidence. Gather a ton, then they won't have a leg to stand on if they blacklist/cancel you.

My heart goes out to this man. The pauses when he is talking just breaks my heart. I hope he can get therapy and support he needs.

this reminds me of Alexander Wang - so many male models spoke up how he abused them but he still has his fashion line and he still has fashion shows. Disgusting.