Trump Model Management brushed off photographer sex abuse allegations: lawsuit
Trump Model Management brushed off a young woman's concerns about a fashion photographer who later sexually abused her, a new lawsuit contends.
Model Minerva Portillo filed suit against Terry Richardson — who has faced a slew of sex abuse allegations at the height of the #MeToo movement — and Trump’s defunct modeling agency Tuesday in Manhattan’s federal court, records show.
Richardson did not immediately return a request for comment from several news outlets to report the civil suit, including The Daily Beast and Business Insider.
Portillo contends she was 22 when Richardson forced her to give him oral sex in 2004, according to the complaint.
The young model was alarmed that Richardson wore only a bathrobe at their first meeting, and raised concerns with staff at Trump Model Management, according to the lawsuit.
"Trump Model Management dismissed her concerns 'telling her that such behavior was commonplace and that given Mr. Richardson's prominence and influence in the industry, Ms. Portillo should overlook his behavior,' the lawsuit contends."
“Trump Model Management booked Ms. Portillo for a photoshoot with Mr. Richardson for a few weeks later.”
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When Portillo returned for a shoot, Richardson offered her a drink she believes was spiked and then abused her sexually in front of at least nine employees, the lawsuit contends.
Portillo’s lawsuit also names Trump’s DJT Holdings, which she accuses of negligence for ignoring her concerns, and demands damages not specified.
Portillo’s lawsuit was filed under New York’s Adult Survivor’s Act, which created a limited window for accusers to seek damages. The window closes Thursday.
Sanford Heisler Sharp, the law firm representing Portillo, issued a press release condemning both Richardson and Trump Model Management.
“There is a difference between provocative – but consensually made – art, and sexual assault,” said attorney Christine Dunn. “Ms. Portillo alleges that this was the latter.”
Survivors of sexual assault can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or visit their website to receive confidential support.