Deeply unsettling interview with fashion photographer/alleged sexual predator Terry Richardson in New York magazine this week. It’s a definite must-read, mostly because it feels like the writer is saying “Sex abuse, sex abuse… sure, whatever… but IT’S AAAAAHHHHHRT!” I’m a bit confounded by the art and fashion world’s continued preoccupation with Richardson, and the media feeding into it. Giving him a cover story is tantamount to saying he gets a free pass from them. Yuck.
Here are his quotes about the sexual nature of his shoots and the allegations of sexual misconduct:
On the atmosphere of his sexual shoots: “It was never just me and a girl ever. It was always assistants, or other people around, or girls brought friends over to hang out. It was very daytime, no drugs, no alcohol. It was a happening, there was energy, it was fun, it was exciting, making these strong images, and that’s what it was. People collaborating and exploring sexuality and taking pictures.”
On not forcing models to do anything: “When I was taking those pictures… I was very, like, ‘Cool, sounds great, let’s do it, great, okay, sure, great, cool, if not, no problem, never do anything you don’t want to do, of course, I totally respect that.’” He makes the point that agents and bookers shouldn’t encourage their clients to take on assignments that will make them uncomfortable.”
On if he has any regrets: “I don’t have any regrets about the work at all. but obviously I don’t ever want someone to feel like that. It was never my intention. But also, people do things, and then they have regrets, and that’s also nothing to do with me. Then don’t do pictures like that again … I’m okay with myself about everything, and that to me is the most important thing.”
Read the entire cover story here. (Photographed by Cass Bird for New York magazine)
And then sound off to me on Twiiter @JSJdarling
