Kim Kardashian has joined Ariana Grande in denouncing celebrity photographer Marcus Hyde, after several models shared screenshots and stories alleging that he’d harassed, extorted and assaulted them.
Although she didn’t mention Hyde by name, it’s clear that she was referring to the man who’s regularly photographed her, Kanye West and the other Kardashians when she posted the following on her Instagram story:
I have been reading all of the messages and stories from women regarding inappropriate and inexcusable behaviour of a photographer that I have worked with in the past.
My own experiences have always been professional, and I am deeply shocked, saddened and disappointed to learn that other women have had very different experiences. I stand in full support of every woman’s right to not be harassed, asked or pressured to do anything they are not comfortable with.
We cannot allow this type of behaviour to go unnoticed and I applaud those who speak out.
Instagram / @kimkardashian
Hyde had worked as Kardashian’s personal photographer in the past, and she and Kanye West contributed $25,000 to a medical fund for Hyde after he was badly injured in a car accident last year.
However, it seems she’s willing to distance herself from the man after so many models shared unnerving stories of Hyde pressuring them to shoot nude, or to exchange photos for sex.
Her statement about all of her previous interactions with him being “professional” is interesting if only because it points to Hyde’s predatory behaviour: of course he wouldn’t try to harass a superstar like Kim Kardashian into sending him nudes. Like many predators, he focused on vulnerable victims who were trying to “make it” in the modelling industry, and didn’t have strong support systems around them.
Ariana Grande, who has also shot extensively with Hyde in the past, issued a damning statement about the photographer yesterday. Other models are sharing stories about different but similarly predatory photographers; I’m guessing the next few days will decide whether #MeToo has finally come to the modelling industry.
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