Terry Richardson is the fashion industrys dirty little not-so-secret contribution to the list of famous, powerful men who leave a trail of sexual assault and harassment allegations in their wake.
To refresh your memory, more than a dozen women have accused Richardson of inappropriate behaviour and assaults during photo shoots (although hes never been criminally investigated). These allegations range from pressuring young models into nudity to manipulating them into receiving and performing sexual favours often for the camera.
In 2010, Canadian supermodel Coco Rocha told Fashion Magazine that shed never work with Richardson again: Ive shot with [Terry Richardson], but I didnt feel comfortable and I wont do it again.
After a flurry of graphic accusations were published early last year, it seemed Richardsons career might be threatened. Major magazines stopped working with him, and influential journalists like Robin Givhan suggested his years in the spotlight might be over, writing, the industry is tiring of porn references. But as we all know from the old-as-time tales of Bill Clinton, Woody Allen, Sean Penn, Anthony Weiner and many more, no one makes a comeback quicker than a white, privileged man accused of sexual misconduct.
Richardson was not only a guest at Jennifer Anistons secret wedding, but was also the only one allowed to take photos or bring a phone. In February, Harpers Bazaar hired him to shoot a cover, and that was followed by a gig with PAPER in March and Julys Kim Kardashian cover for Rolling Stone. Miley Cyrus recently let Richardson photograph her armpit fuzz.
A-list celebs who lend Richardson credibility by allowing him to photograph them are particularly dangerous. Of course, Richardson likely behaves himself around the likes of Cyrus and Kardashian. Its the young, sometimes underage models with zero power and influence who are most susceptible to his alleged misconduct. They feel pressure to play along and stay silent for fear of career ruin because major celebs and editors support him.
His creeping comeback has been met by almost complete radio silence in the industry. In a year when alleged serial abusers like Jian Ghomeshi and Bill Cosby were finally criminally charged, blacklisted or at least publicly shamed, its shocking that fashion insiders are so ready to re-embrace Richardson. The man hasnt so much as gone through the tired old celebrity rehab charade.
If fashion wants to be taken seriously as an industry and art form that not only depends on but supports women, people like Richardson need to go and never return.
sabrinam@nowtoronto.com | @sabrinamaddeaux
