celebrity

"Gotta see if you're worth it." Celebrity photographer Marcus Hyde asked a young model for nudes.

 

 

Celebrity photographer Marcus Hyde, whose portfolio includes shooting Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande, has been condemned for “predatory” behaviour after his direct messages with a model were exposed.

In a series of messages, the famous photographer allegedly asked the young model for US$2,000 after she refused to send him nude photos. Following their encounter, the Los Angeles-based model, Sunnaya, posted screenshots of their messages to her Instagram Stories.

The exchange began on Sunday night after Hyde asked models via his Instagram: “Who wants to shoot?” If they were interested, the acclaimed photographer requested the models “send nudes”.

Model and student Sunnaya replied to the story and the two began talking about the shoot, when she told the photographer: “I don’t have nude photos. I’m comfortable shooting lingerie and partial nudity.”

The Spill is Mamamia’s daily entertainment podcast that catches you up on everything you need to know in the entertainment world. And on the show today, everything from Nicole Kidman’s sex life to how influencers killed the silent supermodel. Post continues after podcast.

“It’s 2k then,” Hyde replied.

“But nude is free?” Sunnaya asked.

“Ya,” he said.

“Okkkkk I can shoot nude but I don’t want to send you nude photos,” the model responded

“Then don’t.”

“Okay do you still want to shoot then? lol” Sunnaya said.

“It’s 2K,” he insisted.

“Bc I won’t send you nudes of myself before shooting?”

ADVERTISEMENT

“Yeah. Gotta see if your [sic] worth it.”

What did Marcus Hyde do?
Image: Instagram.

After Sunnaya again refused to send the photographer nudes, Hyde concluded the conversation by saying: "Find someone else. I'll keep shooting celebs."

What did Marcus Hyde do?
Image: Instagram.
ADVERTISEMENT

After Hyde realised the model had posted a screenshot of their exchange to her Instagram profile, the 32-year-old sent her one last message: "Suck a big fat d*ck."

The exchange was picked up by Diet Prada, a popular Instagram account that exposes the negatives of the fashion industry. Marcus Hyde's Instagram account, which had over a million followers, has since been disabled.

Sunnaya's Instagram Stories about Hyde were also removed by the platform.

ADVERTISEMENT


After the exchange went public, Sunnaya revealed she has received a number of of messages from young models who have shared their own stories of Marcus Hyde. One woman, who remained anonymous, alleged that Hyde "straight up sexually assaulted" her.

Singer Ariana Grande, who has been photographed by Hyde in the past, posted to her stories in wake of the controversy.

"Dear models/artists in LA / anywhere," the 26-year-old wrote to her 160 million followers. "I have just read some shocking and really heartbreaking stories. I hate that this is a conversation."

"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. If they tell you you have to pay more money if you're clothed that's f**ked and I'm sorry that has happened to you. I promise there are so many respectful, nice, talented photographers out there."

She continued: "I hate hearing about things like this. I am sorry that this was anybody's experience and know that it doesn't have to be."

Kim Kardashian, who has also been photographed by Hyde, has not yet commented on the topic.

Want more Mamamia stories? Sign up to our newsletters and get our best stories straight into your inbox.