Index/Topics/Modeling industry controversies

Modeling industry controversies

The modeling industry has been associated with controversies, including the Gabriela Rico Jiménez incident and potential links to elite gatherings described in the Jeffrey Epstein documents.

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Jan 27, 2026
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Which modeling agencies represented Melania Trump in the 1990s and were any involved in disputes or lawsuits?

worked with several modeling agents and firms in the 1990s: European agencies early in her career, ’s New York operation (often described as ) which helped bring her to in 1996, and she was later list...

Jan 31, 2026
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How did Trump Model Management operate in the late 1990s and who were the other models signed alongside Melania?

(founded as in February 1999) positioned itself as a talent arm tied directly to ’s business brand and signed as one of its earliest recruits; reporting shows the company worked with many foreign-born...

Feb 4, 2026

What is known about Gabriela Rico Jiménez’s 2009 disappearance and what investigative steps have been taken since then?

, , became a viral figure after a public outburst at in August 2009 in which she accused attendees of grotesque acts; video of that episode is the core public record of the incident . What is known be...

Feb 2, 2026

What lawsuits and class actions have targeted Trump Model Management and major agencies for alleged labor and immigration abuses?

and a proposed class action accused and several large agencies of recruiting foreign models on visas while underpaying or charging excessive fees, alleging ; those claims were pressed in litigation le...

Jan 21, 2026

What allegations or controversies have former Trump Model Management models publicly shared about their experiences?

Former models publicly accused Model Management of and labor abuses—saying they worked in the without proper work authorization, were charged opaque fees and high rents, and in at least one case alleg...