Vogue comes “under fire” for featuring choking scene on cover
Vogue wanted the cover to be sensational but instead their latest cover featuring Stephanie Seymour and model Marlon Teixeira is under controversy. Four organizations are accusing Vogue of “glorifying violence against women as an act of love.”
The image in question is that of model Marlon Teixeira choking Stephanie Seymour and the couple seem to be in the throes of ecstasy. Two organizations went so far as to say, “Choking is not a fashion statement and certainly not something that should be used to sell magazines.” Media blog Romenesko said it in clearer terms, “This truly disturbing image of a woman being choked sends a dangerous message to anyone who sees this magazine – that choking is a sign of passion rather than violence.”
American fashion photographer Terry Richardson, who in 2010 was accused of sexually harassing a model he photographed, shot Ms Seymour and Mr Teixeira for the Vogue cover.
Domestic Violence and women’s rights advocacy groups are asking Conde Nast to pull the magazine from newsstands and they have also asked that in future such violent images not be used. Still no comment from Conde Nast.
What do you think? Much ado about nothing or do they have a valid point?
By
T. J. Mueller
