When it rains it pours. Such is the case for photographer Terry Richardson. The perpetually flannel-clad provocateur was first confronted with allegations of skeevy misconduct while on set last week by Danish supermodel Rie Rasmussen. After running into Richardson in Paris and accusing him of sexual harassment, the story was picked up by numerous outlets. Then BlackBook contributor Jamie Peck leveled similar complaints (specifics included a hand job, talk of tampons and Richardson asking Peck to call him ‘Uncle Terry’). Jezebel subsequently asked its audience for similar stories in hopes of getting a more substantive sense of just how far Richardson has taken sexual harassment in the past. The responses haven’t been flattering.
While Richardson has as of yet to speak out with regard to all of the allegations, they’re surfacing so fast there’s little chance he can deny each one. But, as Jezebel points out, given the fact that Richardson shoots for nearly every major fashion publication and slews of big name fashion brands, at a certain point one has to ask who else is to blame? Specifically, I’m speaking of modeling agencies, editors and those handpicking photographers for ad campaigns. Richardson is surely to blame and fully responsible for his actions, but so is every person who has continued to work with him after being well aware of his condemnable antics. What kind of backlash all of this bad press and uncovering of unflattering behavior will mean for Richardson remains to be seen. But I’d imagine it won’t be taken lightly.

