Model Legal Resource Fund
As many of you know, in June of 2015 I publicly posted a blacklist of individuals who I considered had behaved inappropriately with the models within the modeling and photography community. These individuals were allowed to flourish for far too long due to the stigmas models face when they refuse to tolerate these behaviors and stand up for themselves. I got frustrated seeing myself and my coworkers constantly suffering from abuses with no real recourse! My intention was never to create a vindictive list but rather to encourage more models to come forward and feel empowered to publically speak out against their abusers. Ever since the “blacklist” went public there have been very tangible benefits and changes that have been made to the modeling industry to foster a safer community. Several other models have joined me in my cause, especially Nicole Vaunt.
I was well aware of my legal rights and felt an obligation to stand for myself against this behavior. I did not anticipate any lawsuits regarding the “blacklist,” yet Nicole and I were both named in a suit, one we legally had to fight despite its frivolous nature (as was determined by the court). We were served with the lawsuit in May 2016 and have spent the last few months fervently - but quietly - fighting this, to the detriment of our work, relationships and finances.
In October 2016 we successfully had the lawsuit dismissed!
Unfortunately, our combined legal expenses are now astronomical, especially considering we were sued in superior court. She and I both stand behind our decision to continue to work for models’ rights and we do not regret spending the money we’ve spent, but we’re now asking for your support and help. We will be offering multiple rewards (including prints and a digital download) to those who donate, but please don’t forgot that ANY amount helps. Any funds raised above and beyond our goal (aka paying our legal bills) will be donated to California Lawyers for the Arts as well as Oregon Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts , both of which are non-profit organizations that provide legal services to artists and members of the creative arts community. They have been an invaluable help along this journey.
The following prints will be available for donation reward levels!
Singular Print, Brennan:
Singular Print, Nicole (print will be uncensored):
Duo Print, Brennan + Nicole (print will be uncensored):