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'I had my top taken off': Robyn Lawley on sexual misconduct in the fashion industry

Robyn Lawley has revealed she was once called a “diva” for objecting to having her top taken off during a photoshoot.

The 28-year-old Aussie mum-of-one, who is the face of Bras N Things’ new campaign, told Be that she’s been put in situations in her job where she’s felt she had no voice to speak up for herself.

“I remember I got called a diva once when I had my top taken off me and I was kind of shocked by it,” the Sydney model said.

Robyn Lawley has revealed she was once called a “diva” for objecting to having her top taken off her during a photoshoot. Photo: Supplied
Robyn Lawley has revealed she was once called a “diva” for objecting to having her top taken off her during a photoshoot. Photo: Supplied
The 28-year-old Aussie mum-of-one, who is the face of Bras N Things’ new campaign, told Be that she’s been put in uncomfortable situations in her job, where she’s felt she had no voice to speak up for herself. Photo: Getty Images
The 28-year-old Aussie mum-of-one, who is the face of Bras N Things’ new campaign, told Be that she’s been put in uncomfortable situations in her job, where she’s felt she had no voice to speak up for herself. Photo: Getty Images

“It’s those moments where you think: ‘wow I hope this changes one day’, and I’m proud that it finally is.”

Robyn has graced the cover of Vogue Italia and has featured in spreads across hundreds of publications around the world - including Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Marie Claire and Elle.

She has also appeared in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition and has her own swimwear collection.

However, Robyn, who is part of the Model Alliance – an organization which gives a voice to models- said while she may be hugely successful, her days spent on shoots haven’t come without issues.

When asked if she’s ever felt uncomfortable with what she was being asked to do on set, Robyn replied with: “What model hasn’t to be honest”.

Robyn has graced the cover of Vogue Italia and has featured in spreads across hundreds of publications around the world, including Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Marie Claire and Elle. Photo: Supplied
Robyn has graced the cover of Vogue Italia and has featured in spreads across hundreds of publications around the world, including Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Marie Claire and Elle. Photo: Supplied

“Out of all the industries, it’s probably more prevalent in modeling by far,” she said about sexual assault and misconduct in the industry.

“It’s one of those jobs that you literally have to get changed in front of people.

“You don’t always get to get a changing room. Your body becomes an object.”

Robyn said she believes it’s particularly hard to speak up for yourself when you’re a model “because it could be the end of your career”.

“It’s like you have no voice,” she said.

“I’ve always been quite vocal but it’s still even now really hard to speak up when you’re uncomfortable with something.

“I’ve had those moment where you think: ‘I can’t say anything because I’m going to get shit for it, it’s going to backlash against me or my agents are going to say they hated me or I was difficult to work with’.

She has also appeared in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition and has her own swimwear collection. Photo: Getty Images
She has also appeared in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition and has her own swimwear collection. Photo: Getty Images
While Robyn said she’s never actually met Mario Testino or worked with him professionally, she’s “heard great things through friends” who claimed he was “really sweet”. Mario has been accused of sexual misconduct but has denied it. Photo: Getty Images
While Robyn said she’s never actually met Mario Testino or worked with him professionally, she’s “heard great things through friends” who claimed he was “really sweet”. Mario has been accused of sexual misconduct but has denied it. Photo: Getty Images

“I’m happy that girls are finally doing it now and people feel like they can and it won’t jeopardize their career.”

Just this week, famed photographer Mario Testino, who has shot thousands of models during his career and was said to be Princess Diana’s favourite snapper, was accused of sexual harassment by up to 13 male assisatants and models.

The 63-year-old, who hails from Peru, has denied the claims, with euronews reporting his lawyers believe the accusers can't be "considered reliable sources."

It's also now claimed he's been dropped by Burberry, Vogue and a potential photographer gig at the royal wedding over the accusations.

While Robyn said she’s never actually met Mario Testino or worked with him professionally, she’s “heard great things through friends” who claim he was “really sweet”.

“It’s one of those things that you start hearing through the grapevine that it was more his male assistants that would have issues with him,” she said.

“But I haven’t heard anything further. I’m in shock really," she said.

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