Model Sunnaya Nash has shared screenshots of celebrity photographer Marcus Hyde attempting to coerce nude photos in exchange for a photo shoot.
Screenshots (below) posted to Nash’s Instagram and Twitter accounts show Hyde requesting that she either pay him $2000 or send nude photos in exchange for a shoot. The shoot was advertised by him on his Instagram story as a call out that, in light of recent events, has a sinister motive behind it.
Since posting the screenshots, which end with Hyde telling Nash to “suck a fat big dick” for calling him out, Nash has created a Twitter thread of women sending her messages of similar experiences with Hyde. These range from similar stories of requesting nudes to outright sexual assault. Frequently, the women would note that they felt that they were in some way to blame for their assault as they’d agreed to the shoots.
This is an example of a disturbing belief that permeates society’s ideas regarding sexual assault. It is important that people remember that consent can be retracted at any time, and not saying no is not equivalent to saying yes.
Nash is now battling with Instagram to keep her posts regarding the harassment and assaults on the social media platform. Hyde has since deleted all photos of Kardashian and Grande from his account and changed his privacy settings to private.
Photo Credit: Instagram
This is not the first time the celebrity photographer and friend of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West has been under fire for sexual assault accusations. In 2018, model Charlie Qu accused Hyde of raping her in 2012. Model Kate Rose has also shared emails in which Hyde asked her for nudes before shooting her in 2014.
Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande, two of Hyde’s most famous clients and friends, have swiftly responded to the allegations against him. While neither have claimed to have similar experiences, the women both condemned Hyde’s behaviour. Grande shared a warning to fans not to shoot with photographers who make them feel uncomfortable. She also encouraged those in the industry to connect each other with photographers they’ve had positive experiences with. Kardashian released a statement to her own Instagram, stating;
“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.”
These accusations are not to be taken lightly. Sexual harassment and assault is rampant in industries such as modelling and acting. The power that Hyde has used to extort innocent women for his own gratification is a disgusting show of abuse. It is incredibly important that all models feel safe in their industry and are not being coerced in to behaviour that they are not comfortable with at the hands of those with power. Nash has exhibited such bravery calling Hyde out on his behaviour and the chain reaction it has caused is invaluable to seeking justice. As more women come forward against Hyde, it looks hopeful that he will be held responsible for his actions.
Subscribe to FIB’s newsletter for your weekly dose of music, fashion and pop culture news!