Model Linh An accused of being sexually harassed by a famous photographer, a big problem in Hong Kong?

Recently, on a TV program, cheerleader and model Linh An (Hong Kong) suddenly revealed that she had been harassed by a famous photojournalist TD. This behavior haunted her for the past 10 years.
Specifically, Linh An said that about 10 years ago, she had the opportunity to work with a famous photographer. This person invited her to take a portrait in the Japanese style. Before shooting, the two had an appointment at a restaurant to discuss shooting style, so she agreed.

Unexpectedly, at the time of shooting, Linh An knew that the shooting location was the photographer's house, she went to the appointment alone and began to feel insecure. The photographer then asked her to take pictures in a "lack of fabric". Because of the agreement, Linh An had to accept. "He convinced me it was a work of art. I changed clothes as requested, even though I felt uncomfortable," - female cheerleader shared.

The male photographer continued to have other acts of harassment. Linh An realized the situation was not right after the photographer changed the scene and turned off all the lights in the room. Gathering courage, the female model said: "I don't think I'm suitable for your job, I want to go home."

The incident happened 10 years ago but still haunts Linh An, she said she was in the dark, always on guard for fear of revealing sensitive images. The female model calls on everyone to protect themselves and avoid unnecessary incidents.

This photographer's identity is also of interest to the online community. However, the model does not intend to reveal the name of this photographer.

Also in Mainland China, according to SCMP , more and more young models in this country are falling into the trap - when they have to face TD harassment, blackmail from "fake" photographers.

Worth mentioning, victims are often silent because they fear the incident will become a stain on their background. Besides, it is society's prejudice about modeling work that makes them not dare to stand up for themselves.

According to SCMP , in Hong Kong, freelance models often share photos and personal profiles on Instagram or other websites to look for job opportunities. Work details are negotiated between the model and the photographer. However, private shoots often have no specific contract, lack of transparency, and no accountability if problems arise. Therefore, models are prone to abuse.

Eilia - a young model in Hong Kong shared with the press: "Today, I and many models are more aware of our rights, but harassment still happens. Photographers have many a trick to force the model to do what he wants...".

Hong Kong's non-profit Association for Sexual Violence Against Women (ACSVAW) of Hong Kong also said it has repeatedly received complaints about hidden cameras being installed in the photography studio.

"Photographers will take pictures without the model's permission, then use them to blackmail them," the ACSVAW representative said.

Model Eilia was also in this situation, she said: "It was a big deal. A photographer said he would show my family that picture. Husband and in-laws know about the modeling business. However, those hot pictures can mislead them and affect their married life. Many models have had to give in to blackmailers."

"When you're in a studio and the photographer starts harassing you, you feel vulnerable. Most people are scared, I used to panic too. Now, even though I'm brave to say it, on the inside. I'm still shaking," Eilia said.

According to Eilia, many people do not dare to speak out because they hide their modeling jobs from family or boyfriends. So they are afraid of being discovered. She said: "There is a lot of prejudice and shame around this work. A lot of victims are blamed."

Faced with this problem, it is known that last September, Hong Kong passed a bill that stipulates that abuse of TDs based on images will result in imprisonment for up to 5 years. Those who threaten to spread hot images and videos without the consent of the involved parties will receive criminal penalties. Many people hope that this law can partly protect female models.