Victoria’s Secret model Sara Sampaio says Lui magazine published nude photos of her without her consent, and that’s not okay
It seems there is no end to the devastating stories of women being sexually harassed and abused. Now, Victoria’s Secret model Sara Sampaio is sharing her own story of harassment in the workplace.
Over the past few weeks, numerous actresses have spoken out against Harvey Weinstein’s sexual abuse. Across the internet, the #MeToo hashtag has more and more women finding the courage to speak out about their own experiences.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Sampaio outlines how she was aggressively pursued by French men’s magazine Lui for a photo shoot. Sampaio writes that magazine wanted her to do a nude shoot. Even though that violated the terms of her no-nudity contract.
Sampaio says she agreed to a shoot. But only if she could remain covered up in all the images.
She writes that the magazine said they would comply with her wishes. Despite this, Sampaio says she felt harassed onset to strip down completely. Furthermore, while reviewing images from the shoot, Sampaio writes that she saw several shots where she was exposed. When she pointed this out, she says that Lui told her those images would never see the light of day. But they did appear in the magazine, including on the cover.
Now, Sampaio is currently pursuing legal action against Lui.
Additionally, she is sharing her story with the world to speak up regarding harassment in the modeling industry. And she adds that this isn’t the first time she’s experienced something like this. By sharing her story, she hopes to help end a culture of harassment in the fashion industry.
“I want to do what I can to prevent this from happening to me again, and to others..." she writes. "As models continue to share their harrowing experiences, the bully and abuse that is systemic within the fashion industry, will come to light."
You can read Sampaio’s full statement on Instagram:
Well said, Sara Sampaio. And kudos for being brave enough to speak out against harassment, whatever form it may take.
