Irene Montero used the photos of two models without their permission for the ‘Summer is also ours’ campaign

British plus size model Nyome Nicholas-Williams has publicly denounced that the Ministry of Equality has used an image of her without her permission. “My image is being used by the Spanish government in a campaign, but they haven’t asked me! Great idea, but poor execution! Ask to use my image or at least tag me”, the curvy model has launched through his Instagram where he accumulates almost 79,000 followers.

“This is the second time this has happened to me!” She exclaimed indignantly and described the situation as “frustrating” while asking her followers for help: “If anyone knows of someone I can contact to solve this, Please send me a private message.” She was not the only one. They also used the photo of a Brazilian model without her consent.

The author says that she has received 4,490 euros, not 84,000

The author of the Ministry of Equality campaign has apologized for using images of two models without authorization and has promised to share the benefits of this work with them “in equal parts”.

Given the controversy generated through social networks, sources from the Ministry of Equality have told Efe this Thursday that they refer to the statements of the author, of the agency ArteMapachesince as contracting body this Department has no responsibility.

“First of all I would like to publicly apologize to the models for having been inspired by their photos for the campaign. Summer is ours too and for having used an unlicensed typeface (thinking it was free),” says the author on her Twitter account. The author acknowledges “justified”, regarding the image rights of the illustration, she assures that she has considered that “the The best way to alleviate the damage that may have been caused by my conduct is to distribute the benefits derived from this work in equal parts”.

Through an open thread on the social network, the creator assures that she is contacting the protagonists of the poster and buying the font license “to solve it as soon as possible”, and states that he has received 4,490 euros for this work and not 84,000 eurosas had also been reported, which has been corroborated by Equality.

“My intention was never to abuse her image, but rather to convey in my illustration the inspiration that women like Nyome Nicholas, Raissa Galvão represent for me… Her work and her image must be respected,” says the author, who thanks both their work, “even in this case”.

The campaign promoted by Equality with criticism

The campaign was announced this Wednesday through social networks by the company itself. Irene Monterohis Secretary of State, Angela Rodriguez Pamand by Ione Herb. And from the first moment it provoked great controversy as there were many criticisms of this initiative.

From the Ministry of Montero they explained that it is intended to vindicate the diversity of bodies, “without stereotypes” or “aesthetic violence” and thus be able to enjoy the summer “how, where and with whomever you want”. The campaign, directed by the Women’s Institute, shows an image on the beach of five women of different races, sizes, with a mastectomy, under the slogan Summer is also ours. One of these women is Nyome Nicholas-Williams, who is now denouncing the use and dissemination of her image without her consent.

Speaking to Efe, the director of the Women’s Institute, Antonia Morillasdenounced that there are multiple bodily discriminations that are “traversed by gender stereotypes”.

“Bodily expectations are projected on women that not only influence our self-esteem, but also they deny rights and condition the way of being and enjoying public space”, he lamented. Thus, with this communicative action Equality wants to convey the message that all bodies are valid, that it is essential to recognize that existing body diversity and claim it, free of stereotypes and violence, Morillas stressed.

There were many criticisms of this campaign: “The other day I counted the ministries of Spain and the accounts did not come out. I had forgotten that there is one even to promote obesity. And it is not the consumption one,” commented a person on Twitter . “Until now, fat women couldn’t enter the beaches. But now they can. Thank you Irene for improving our lives in… nothing,” said another with irony.

The Secretary of State answered as follows: “Gentlemen saying that fat women could now go to the beach without permission from Equality. Of course we go but assuming hatred for showing a body that is not normative. What we claim is that all bodies are fine, also yours Manolo who is not exactly the most beautiful”.