Fashion helpline is set up to protect models from sexual abuse

It follows a wave of complaints from models about inappropriate behaviour
Leomie Anderson, Hailey Baldwin and Adwoa Aboah attend The Fashion Awards 2017
Darren Gerrish/BFC/Getty

Models who suffer sexual abuse at work are to be given the protection of a new confidential helpline under a major “post-Weinstein” shake-up of the fashion industry unveiled today.

It follows a wave of complaints from models about inappropriate behaviour since the scandal over Harvey Weinstein erupted, with “porn chic” fashion photographer Terry Richardson being banned by magazines, and another veteran photographer, Bruce Weber, accused of sexual misconduct.

The helpline number and email address go live at the start of next week.

They are being set up by a new trade body, the British Fashion Model Agency Association (BFMAA), which aims to set higher standards for the welfare and treatment of models.

Caroline Rush (below), chief executive of the British Fashion Council, which is driving the reforms, said: “The stories highlighted through [anti-harassment campaign #MeToo] have meant there is no better time for the industry to work together to stamp out any form of maltreatment or abuse.”

It is the first time models will have an independent complaints process outside the agencies that represent them.

Ms Rush said they could call the number and air concerns about any individual who had behaved badly towards them. Complaints will be reviewed by a committee of leading industry figures and, where appropriate, the behaviour would be “challenged”, she said.

Models who have experienced illegal abuse will be told to go straight to the police. The new reporting system will be backed up by a code of best practice, still being drawn up, that all agencies will be asked to sign up to.

It comes a week after the Fashion Awards, at the Royal Albert Hall, celebrated figures who had helped protect or empower women. Naomi Campbell led tributes to Tunisian-born designer Azzedine Alaïa, known as papa because of his reputation for protecting vulnerable young models.

Fashion Awards 2017 - Red Carpet Arrivals

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Model of the year Adwoa Aboah was cited for her role in setting up the Gurls Talk online community.

The BFMAA replaces the Association of Model Agencies and its founding members are Models 1, Premier, Select, Storm, Colours and Manchester-based Boss.

The helpline will be staffed during working hours. During London Fashion Week in February calls will also be taken at evenings and weekends.

Movie mogul Mr Weinstein has denied all allegations of non-consensual sex against him. Mr Richardson has denied accusations of sexual assault, and said “all the subjects of his work participated consensually”. Mr Weber has not yet responded to the claims against him.

The helpline is 020 7759 1996; email Models@britishfashioncouncil.com

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