Teddy Quinlivan Says Fashion Industry Needs To Get Rid Of Its Sexual Predators. Trusting New Talent Is Out There

Model Teddy Quinlivan took a strong stand for her colleagues last week, penning a powerful open letter on Instagram. Teddy spoke generally about the issue of sexual harassment in the fashion industry, while disclosing her own direct experiences with wandering fingers in her panties and more. 

After probing the reality that victims of sexual harassment and sexual assault are generally ignored because of the power that the perpetrator photographer or stylist wields, Teddy Quinlivan announced, “I refuse to work with brands and publications who continue to collaborate with accused offenders of assault,” adding, “There is no fashion show, editorial, campaign, or event that is more important than the safety and well being of both myself and remarkable men and women I work with.”

In March, Teddy, who announced her transgender status in the fall of 2017,  shared part of her experience on a Teen Vogue panel, saying, “I've been sexually assaulted at work, outside of work by people I work with, and on a date. There's this sexual assault that happens in the workplace in fashion and people write it off because it's a creative industry. 'Because we're creatives, and we're sexually free, your sexual assault doesn't matter. Because he touched you there, it's not that big of a deal. You signed up for it. You have to take your clothes off for the photo.'" She went on to clarify, "There are moments where someone has touched me and it hasn't been sexual. They had to move a strap and accidentally brushed up against my nipple. It's no big deal. There are other times where there are people sticking fingers in my underwear and groping me."

As for the consequences of her firm stance on not working with sexual predators, Teddy tells Teen Vogue: "“I'm aware that there may be some people who don't want to work with me because of my hardline stance against abuse, but if that's how they feel then it stands to reason that the feeling is mutual. The brands and people who support me understand the importance of my message, and don't need to punish me for asking for a safe working environment.”

It will be difficult, Quinlivan continues, because of the industry's 'creative genuis' embrace, one that must exist to cultivate its best talent. Yet many of these creative geniuses -- especially men -- see themselves as not governed by rules and norms governing forcible sexual behavior. After all, every man needs his muses, right? He takes what is is -- or there will be consequences . . . like no more work. These are Anne's words, not Teddy's. . . 

ALTHOUGH, reading British Vogue just now, Teddy Quinlivan gives a wide-ranging, thoughtful interview. On the topic of sexual predators, Teddy lays it on the line, saying "It's extremely important we get rid of the people who we know are perpetrators of sexual assault and harassment within the industry. We need to stop making excuses for them. There are equally talented people who deserve a chance to become the next big thing, and they'll do it without having to touch people inappropriately. We also have to make sure that, as models, our bosses don’t want us to be a part of that."

Amen, Teddy. Amen.