There is no doubt that young teenagers are amazed by the seemingly glamourous lives led by top supermodels. These young novice models are willing to go to great lengths to make it in the industry, some may even resort to prostitution as claimed by a London based model, Jazz Egger. Egger spoke out about the issue over her Instagram page claiming that well known models along with top agencies are involved in the underground business of sex-work. Egger proceeded to account for her own personal experience of being offered to meet with an agent to discuss a potential yacht trip accompanied by three Greek millionaires to which she declined as she was against the thought of selling herself. Shortly, after the first offer, Egger was contacted by a man known only by the name of George, who proposed a private dinner with an elite celebrity at which she would have to take part in sexual activity. Through shared screenshots of the conversation, it can be seen that Egger stated she was "a model and not an escort". George followed up by stating that models understand and appreciate the value of money and that there should be no shame in enjoying sex especially when that sex easily offered money along security in the competitive industry.
Well known American model, Chrissy Teigen has spoken out about young struggling models resorting to sex work in order to make a name for themselves. Teigen claimed that often times these models go to places like Cannes where prostitutes charge around $30,000 a night to make extra cash for themselves. Last year, Instagram model Aliana Gonzalez made headlines after being exposed for agreeing to take part in illegal sexual activity with a minor for $50,000.
With the modeling industry being as selective and competitive as it is, it makes it difficult for amateur models to earn much of a living leading them to turn towards exploiting themselves in exchange for money. The issue of underworld prostitution is rarely spoken of when it involves high profile celebrities, as mentioned by Jazz Egger, a large number of people at the top have made their way there as a result of sex work. By being a celebrity, there is this stigma of being perceived as this person with "class", the issue of being involved in sex work is seen as a taboo as it has the power to deteriorate one's image.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to the person themselves and what they want to do with their own bodies. As stated by George, "everyone enjoys having sex... what is the shame". It is not shameful for a person to do sexual favors in exchange for money. It is simply a choice about how one wants to be perceived.
