Tori Amos
via Tori Amos's Facebook

Tori Amos & Conde Nast distance themselves from Terry Richardson

Reports earlier this month accusing film executive Harvey Weinstein of numerous cases of sexual harassment and assault opened the flood gates for people across the entertainment industry and beyond to come forward with their own experiences as the victims of sexual misconduct. This also extended to the fashion industry, where celebrity and fashion photographer Terry Richardson again came under scrutiny for allegations of sexual assault. While stories about Richardson’s behavior, like this 2010 Jezebel report, have circulated for years, they’re finally gaining traction, and according to a recent leaked email, Condé Nast International no longer will work with the photographer in the many publications under its umbrella, including Vogue, GQ, Glamour, and Vanity Fair.

Other publications still appear to be willing to work with Richardson. Tori Amos posted a statement on Facebook about her experience at a recent photo shoot for V Magazine, who had commissioned Richardson to do the shoot. She said she was unaware, at the time, of the allegations against Richardson, or she would not have taken part. “I am disgusted by the nature of the allegations and can only stand strong with the women who were subjected to this abuse over the years,” Tori says. Read her full statement below.

Tori has been a long term vocal supporter of survivors of sexual violence through the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, RAINN, for which she was the first spokesperson.

UPDATE: In an interview with The Guardian, Rita Ora also discussed her experience working with Richardson. While she says, “it was a relaxed day and I had the time of my life,” she also clarifies, “at the time, I wasn’t aware of the accusations. If I was aware of any of the accusations against Terry I would of course have rethought my decision.”

For the upcoming edition of V Magazine, I along with others took part in a photo shoot for their Cult Icons portfolio.
The magazine had commissioned the photographer Terry Richardson to take these shots.
At the time, I was not aware of the various accusations made against Richardson, had I been I would never have taken part. I am disgusted by the nature of the allegations and can only stand strong with the women who were subjected to this abuse over the years.
As the first spokesperson and longtime supporter of RAINN, the Rape Abuse And Incest National Network, I can only hope that we all continue to speak out and break the silence about these kinds of abuses and stand strong together against these predators and those who support them.
Tori Amos
RAINN 1 800 656 HOPE
RAINN http://rainn.org