The fashion world, often glamorized for its beauty and creativity, can sometimes harbor dark secrets. During a 2002 photoshoot, former model Alwantha Lawson alleges that photographer Marc Baptiste sexually assaulted her. In a recent turn of events, Lawson has now filed a lawsuit against Baptiste, as indicated by a letter of summon dated March 15th, 2024.
A Rising Star and a Dream Opportunity
Alwantha Lawson’s career was on an upward trajectory. Having graced the pages of magazines like Essence, Time Out, and Seventeen, her modeling career was on the rise. An opportunity to work with Marc Baptiste, a photographer known for his work with celebrities like Aaliyah and Erykah Badu, was a coveted step forward. Baptiste’s reputation extended beyond the music industry, with campaigns for major brands like Original Penguin, Reebok Classic, and Rolex solidifying his status in the industry.
The lawsuit details Lawson’s excitement about the shoot for Baptiste’s book, “Intimate: Nudes by Marc Baptiste.” However, the events that followed, as outlined in the legal complaint, paint a starkly different picture from the anticipated career milestone.
A Broken Promise and a Disturbing Encounter
The former model alleges that upon arriving at Baptiste’s Manhattan studio for the shoot on October 3rd, 2002, she was surprised to find him alone. Court documents claim she was assured there would be others present during the nude shoot, including stylists for hair and makeup. However, upon arrival, she says Baptiste locked the door and allegedly requested she undress completely.
The lawsuit details Lawson’s discomfort and unease at being left alone with Baptiste. Her initial excitement reportedly turned to apprehension, as recounted in the filing: “I’m not going to shoot until you make yourself cum,” Baptiste allegedly told Lawson, pressuring her to engage in self-gratification on camera.
A Traumatic Experience and a Reluctant Silence
The suit further details a disturbing escalation of the encounter, with Baptiste allegedly subjecting Lawson to unwanted sexual contact. The details outlined in the court documents are graphic and deeply personal. Lawson recounts feeling confused and violated, stating in the lawsuit, “I couldn’t believe what he was doing. I shot with so many other photographers before, and nobody took it upon themselves to violate me like that.”
Following the alleged assault, Lawson’s life, according to the lawsuit, spiraled. “Life didn’t make any sense anymore,” she said. “My career didn’t make sense anymore.” The lawsuit claims she felt “completely confused and discombobulated,” struggling to process the trauma she endured.
A Missed Opportunity for Justice and the Weight of Shame
Lawson’s boyfriend reportedly encouraged her to report the assault to the police. The lawsuit states she attempted to go to the police precinct but ultimately did not file a report due to pressure from her agent. Instead, she chose to confront Baptiste directly, writing a letter detailing the incident and requesting a signed apology and the return of all photos and videos taken during the shoot.
The lawsuit alleges that Baptiste’s wife received the certified mail while he was in Africa. However, instead of the apology Lawson sought, she claims Baptiste retaliated, allegedly ostracizing her from the industry by portraying her as “difficult” to work with. Years later, in 2006, Lawson ultimately filed a police report, but the lawsuit states nothing came of it.
Seeking Justice and Healing After Years of Silence
The legal proceeding, filed under New York City’s Gender-Motivated Violence Act, seeks unspecified damages for the emotional and psychological distress, physical injury, and lost opportunities Lawson claims to have suffered due to the alleged assault. The filing details the lasting impact of the event, stating Lawson “still feels the emotional impact of the alleged assault two decades later and also has nightmares, cold sweats, and triggers.”
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“Even to this day, I don’t feel comfortable being in front of cameras unless I have to,” Lawson said in a statement. The lawsuit poignantly details how the alleged assault continues to affect her life: “And if she sees someone wearing glasses similar to the ones Baptiste wears or if she walks by his studio in Chinatown, ‘those feelings come back.” Lawson’s lawsuit isn’t just about seeking financial compensation; it’s about seeking justice and finding closure.
Alwantha Lawson’s attorney, Susan Crumiller, emphasized the significance of New York’s “Adult Survivors Act” for her client’s lawsuit. “We told you before that there was nothing you could do, but now there is,” Crumiller said, highlighting the act’s ability to provide legal recourse for past assaults. While not specifying damages sought, Crumiller referenced “multimillion-dollar awards” as a possible outcome, acknowledging the potential for reduction under New York law. This lawsuit underscores the act’s potential impact on past cases and ongoing efforts to reform damage award practices.
Featured image: New York Post
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