Scouting for Girls: Fashion’s Darkest Secret: What you need to know about the docu-series exposing the dark side of the modelling industry

Former models Carré Otis, Shawna Lee, Jill Dodd, amongst others, bravely come forward to talk about their experiences with these men, claiming that they created a culture of abusive behaviours involving grooming, coercion and rape of models as young as 15.

What exactly are the allegations against these former agents?

The women have similar stories about the alleged abuse they faced at the hands of these men. They talk about being isolated in a foreign country, dependent on their agencies for contact, and when the boss took interest and offered support, they would be invited to stay over at their swanky apartments.

Speaking of these agents’ alleged behaviour while at their apartments, many women said they were “devastated” to find that “suddenly he was on top of me”.

Amongst various other allegations, Jill Dodd also recalled that it was common practice for agencies to “introduce” models to rich men from their books.

Where are these agents now?

Out of the four agents being accused of predatory behaviour, Gérald Marie is the only one of the four still alive.

He categorically denies all the allegations. Marie’s attorney told CBS News via a statement that he “firmly objects to the defamatory and false allegations made against him” and is “withholding his statements for the justice system”.

Where can you watch Scouting for Girls: Fashion’s Darkest Secret?

Scouting for Girls: Fashion’s Darkest Secret is available to watch on Sky and NOW TV. We can only hope that this docu-series opens the eyes to the dark side of the business and helps protects young girls within the modelling world. 

For more information about reporting and recovering from rape and sexual abuse, you can contact Rape Crisis.

If you have been sexually assaulted, you can find your nearest Sexual Assault Referral Centre here. You can also find support at your local GP, voluntary organisations such as Rape Crisis, Women’s Aid, and Victim Support, and you can report it to the police (if you choose) here.