Alan Ritchson Opens Up About “Horrific Environments” in the Modeling Industry
Former model turned actor, Alan Ritchson, recently shed light on the dark and dangerous side of the modeling industry in an interview withThe Hollywood Reporter. Ritchson, known for his roles in various TV shows and films, shared his personal experiences and highlighted the prevalent issue of sexual abuse in the industry.
Ritchson started his career as a model, working for popular brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch and catalog projects. However, he revealed that the modeling industry often subjected him and others to “horrific environments” and “sexual abuse.” Speaking candidly, he said, “Let’s be honest, it’s like legalized sex trafficking. The industry is unregulated, and it’s a widely known secret that if you’re hired on a job, you’re basically being passed off to a photographer to be trafficked.”
A Terrifying Reality for Both Men and Women
Ritchson acknowledged that while his experiences were uncomfortable, the situation is even worse for women. He expressed his deep empathy towards women who deal with power struggles and predatory individuals in the workplace. Ritchson recognized the fear and lack of choices faced by women in similar situations, stating, “Most women don’t have that option [to physically fight back], and it must be terrifying.”
Abruptly Quitting After Being Assaulted by a Photographer
Ritchson shared a distressing incident that forced him to quit the modeling industry for good. He described how he was promised a lucrative campaign if he posed for nude photographs. However, upon arriving at the hotel room, he was sexually assaulted by the photographer. He immediately reported the incident to his agency, expressing his anger and disappointment in their complicity. Ritchson explained, “I swore it off, and thank God, acting found me at the exact same time, so I was able to make a switch to a new career, but it left some scars.”
Similar Encounters Even After Transitioning to Acting
Years later, Ritchson found himself in another uncomfortable situation while attending a high-profile event. He alleged that a well-known industry photographer, Mario Testino, continuously tried to make unwanted contact with him. Ritchson asserted his boundaries, realizing the pain he endured in the modeling world was not an isolated incident. He recounted Testino’s persistence and unwanted advances, stating, “He wouldn’t keep his hands off me. I was like, ‘Get your hands off me, dude. I lived that life with people like you.'”
Surviving and Seeking Meaning
After his troubling experiences, Ritchson faced deep struggles and was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He emphasized the importance of meaningfulness in life and the responsibility to make the world a better place and serve others. Ritchson’s journey highlights the importance of addressing the dark side of the modeling industry and creating a safer environment for aspiring models.
Source: Highly Respectable News Website
