Ariana Grande, Kim Kardashian speak out after photographer Marcus Hyde was accused of predatory behavior
One of Kim Kardashian West and Ariana Grande’s go-to personal photographers apparently missed the memo on the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements. Now, Ariana is urging models via Instagram Stories to stay safe and avoid situations where they feel unsafe. Her post came on Monday, July 22, after the fashion world watchdogs behind Instagram’s Diet Prada account shared what appears to be a screenshot of a DM conversation between Marcus Hyde — the photographer Kim and Kanye West donated $25,000 to after he was severely injured in a car accident — and a young model and student named Sunnaya Nash. The exchange indicates she responded to a call he put out for models and was told in no uncertain terms she could either send him nude photos in advance or fork over $2,000 for the privilege of working with him. (“But nude is free?” she asks in the screenshot. “Ya, he replies. “Okkkkk I can shoot nude but don’t want to send you nude photos,” she says. “Then don’t,” he replies. She asks if he’s still willing to do the shoot and he says, “it’s $2k.” “Bc I won’t send you nudes of myself before shooting?” she asks. “Yeah,” he writes, “Gotta see if you’re worth it.”) Sunnaya’s post, which has been deleted along with others by Instagram, which called Sunnaya out for bullying and/or harassment, tagged Diet Prada, which in turn tagged Ariana, Kim and other celebs alerting them to Sunnaya’s claims and asking the celebs to “come get your boy and teach him some decency.” Ariana responded on her Instagram Story without naming Marcus but she was clearly referring to the sexual misconduct allegations against him, which have multiplied since Sunnaya came forward, according to W. “i have just read some shocking and really heartbreaking stories. i hate that this is a conversation. but. please do not shoot with photographers who make you uncomfortable or make you feel like you need to take your clothing off if you don’t want to. if you want to, sick. but if you don’t, please don’t,” Ariana wrote. “if they tell you you have to pay more money if you’re clothed that’s f—ed and i’m sorry that has happened to you. i promise there are so many respectful, nice, talented photographers out there.” She added: “I hate hearing about things like this,” she wrote. “I am sorry that that was anybody’s experience and know that it doesn’t have to be. Look out for one another. Tag your friends on posts of other photographers who’s [sic] work you like and have had positive experiences with and help each other get connected.” After Ariana shared her thoughts on the matter, Kim weighed in on social media as well, posting the following statement on her Instagram Story, according to Page Six: “I have been reading all of the messages and stories from women regarding inappropriate and inexcusable behavior of a photographer that I have worked with in the past. My own experiences have always been professional, and I am deeply shocked, saddened and disappointed to learn that other women have had very different experiences. 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 behavior to go unnoticed and I applaud those who speak out.”