Dear [Sister],
Thank you for your email.
One of the campaigns at H&M this spring was shot by Terry Richardson. We always have an H&M representative present during our fashion shoots and we have no information that something inappropriate has happened. If these accusations are true though, it is of course unacceptable.
We have no upcoming campaigns with Terry Richardson.
Best regards, H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB
—–Original Message—–
From: inquiry@hm.com [mailto:inquiry@hm.com]
Sent: den 25 mars 2010 09:42
To: info.se@hm.com (SEINFO)
Subject: Sweden Sweden : H&M ads photographed by Terry RichardsonE-mail / E-mail: sisterwol 666@gmail.com
Subject / Subject: H&M ads photographed by Terry Richardson
Message / Message:
I would like to protest H&M’s use of photographer Terry Richardson in its advertising campaigns. Terry Richardson is known to be a sexual predator who has abused fashion models and sexually harassed them.Please let me know what you plan to do about this.
Thanks in advance for taking action on this matter.
Go Sister!
Wow when did this happen?
Totally, totally awesome!
That is great!
Mmm good they responded, yes they would have had a rep but was it an H&M employee or a freelance/contract person. I’d like to be sure nothing happened but as a stylist who has seen a photographer over touch a breast during a photo shoot with me and others present (which paralysed me and this was quite a few years ago) I doubt anything has changed. I didn’t tell the client. I was pathetic I said nothing
I couldn’t work with photographers for years and I only work with ones younger than me now so I can be bossy and take charge.
Very skilfully crafted response from H&M, but well done for getting a response and making them look into the issue
I hope the advertisers are actually getting flooded now. Wish I could figure out who to write to at Pirelli to protest, and maybe even i-D are good candidates to be written to.
To whom it may concern:
Why don’t you use all this energy to pursue something helpful to this world, something actually ruining the lives of people, not just slandering some horny photographer? There are people in this world who are suffering from many things, those people could use your smarts and dedication. You could actually be making a difference in this world. The title of your blog is “Godammit, I’m Mad!”, what exactly are you mad about? Wealthy models being subject to sexual harassment? Look at the industry they are in! These women are already subjecting themselves as sex icons, don’t you think they are used to it by now? They are choosing to work with him, they are being paid! This is the models choice to work with one of the biggest names in fashion photography, I’m sure they already know what to expect.
What is the purpose of this campaign? To hurt the reputation of this guy? For all I know, he already has this reputation, and what you’re doing doesn’t seem to be hurting his business. After seeing you post about him, I looked at his blog. He has pictures with every high authority in fashion. I don’t see your slander campaign really effecting his business/life, or changing his ways. He has worked all over the world, shot covers/stories for every high volume magazine out there. Don’t you think all this though, effort and anger could be put to some better use?
As a disclaimer: I am totally unaware about anything fashion related. I actually don’t even read your blog. After staying with my girlfriend in Spain for a while, and watching her check your blog, I felt that my views are not being brought up in your comments or your mind. Please rethink this whole effort. Is it really worth it? What has this creepy motherfucker done to you?
There are many causes out there that could use your support. In my opinion, slandering someone because you don’t like the way they act is not a valid use of time. But look at me, I’m doing the same right now.
Alex, is it slander, or pointless, to draw attention to a possibly criminal activity? No, it is not. “These women are already subjecting themselves as sex icons” (sic) No, they are not. A model is not a sex worker. You seem to believe that it’s okay to abuse/sexually harass people because they work in an industry which you yourself confess you are totally unaware of. You think they “should be used to it by now” – what?! Would you get used to Richardson forcing you to give him a blow job just so you could stay in your chosen career? You wonder why your views are not represented on this blog and you think the people who post here should protest about something “ruining the lives of people”. Wise up, buster – they are.
Thank you sister wolf! But for me I say we castrate him and then throw him into the leper colony of Molokai. Too much?
Ok, apparently I am unaware of the going ons of the fashion industry. Fashion is a form of art, I am told. These models are not choosing to be subjected to his sexual harassment, they are sent by agencies and have no choice but to cooperate, I am also told. It is wrong for him to sexually harass someone, especially if they are just trying to do their job. I was wrong, I’ll admit it.
I am an art lover, but have never seen the art in fashion. I shall look at it differently and try to find something to like about it.
He’s bringing on his own demise. I don’t think he’ll last very long with the way he’s acting.
Alex, anonymous sources as well as two named models (Jamie Peck is no less of a model for not being agency-represented), have gone on the record to complain about Mr Richardson’s behaviour. Not naming your sources if they wish for protection -and several do, since this man is influential and speaking out publicly could cost whistleblowers their jobs- is an accepted journalistic practice, look at Woodward and Bernstein if you want evidence of that. Also, if you read all the stories, we’re not talking about “wealthy models” here- at least one of the sources stated that she modelled for Terry because she needed the money after being laid off from her job.
We’re not aiming for anything here other than for companies and magazines to realise that this man’s behaviour – which is nothing short of sexual harassment– is not something that consumers support, and it’s not any less disgusting just because he’s open about the sex content of his work. Which I don’t object to, all I believe in is that people have the right to work in an environment that is free and safe of harassment, and Mr Richardson clearly doesn’t seem to be providing it for all his models. They don’t deserve to be subjected to such treatment.
Also, “he has pictures with every high authority in fashion”? I bet Roman Polanski had pictures with “every high authority” in film, too.
^Alex: I didn’t see your last comment. I do hope your last couple of sentences come true.
Alex -“What has this creepy motherfucker done to you?” Please, Alex. DIck Cheney never did anything to me, yet I want him to be prosecuted for war crimes. I’ve signed countless petitions to that effect.
Don’t worry that I’m misdirecting my anger – I have more than enough to go around.
Sister Wolf, you are the best hahhaa!