After a torrent of stories from models and industry insiders recounting sexual exploitation and harassment from famed photographer Terry Richardson, the accused responded on his blog.
In a statement published over the weekend on his blog, Richardson expressed dismay over the accusations of lewd behavior (pressuring young subjects into sexual acts, etc, etc.) and thanked his supporters:
I just want to take a moment to say I’m really hurt by the recent and false allegations of insensitivity and misconduct. I feel fortunate to work with so many extraordinary people each and every day.
I’ve always been considerate and respectful of the people I photograph and I view what I do as a real collaboration between myself and the people in front of the camera. To everyone who has embraced and supported me and my work, I am so grateful. Thank you, it means a lot.
People have been equally outraged and nonplussed by the scandal as it's broken, taking opposing viewpoints around the idea that situations like these are just "how it is" within the fashion industry. Again, thus far there have been no formal allegations, just informal accusations posted on various blogs, which seems more like bad word-of-mouth than anything.
