Expose the Abuse, Exploitation, and Epstein Ties

NEXT Model Management, one of the most recognizable names in the modeling industry, hides behind glamor and prestige—but beneath the surface lies a dark, deeply disturbing legacy of exploitation, abuse, and corruption. This agency, long admired by the fashion world, has operated with impunity for decades, shielding its misconduct behind a veil of beauty and fame.

What many don’t know—or choose to ignore—is NEXT’s alarming historical ties, to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a man who built his power on manipulation, trafficking, and control. Epstein’s involvement with modeling agencies like NEXT is not just a footnote in his biography—it’s central to how he found, recruited, and exploited vulnerable young women. The origins of NEXT are stained with his influence, and to this day, the agency’s culture reflects the same toxic power dynamics and disregard for human dignity. 

This is not about a few bad apples. This is a systemic crisis.

Former employees, models, and creators have come forward with harrowing stories of theft, body shaming, racism, transphobia, sexual harassment, and retaliatory firings. Behind closed doors, NEXT has created a hostile, discriminatory, and often predatory environment where abuse is normalized and accountability is nonexistent.

Real people. Real trauma. Just a few examples:

• Models of color, including Anok Yai have faced blatant racial discrimination, sharing horror stories. Followed by another dark skinned sudanese curve model signing with the agency soon after to only experience the same horrors. 
• A transgender woman of color was subjected to similar mistreatment, exposing a pattern of transphobia and racism within the agency.
• Male models have spoken out about sexual harassment and body shaming, with one even quitting the agency due to the emotional toll.
• When NEXT signed their first model in a wheelchair, she was marginalized, disrespected, and excluded—highlighting the agency’s performative inclusion and deep-seated ableism.
• Creators were (and still are) lied to about their earnings, with the agency reportedly taking 40% of income while claiming it was just 20%.
• Many have reported being fired or let go without explanation or pay, leaving them in legal and financial limbo while NEXT continued to control their likeness and work.
• Models have been and currently are being held against their will, almost like modern slaves.

Over the past five years, more than 10 major employees—including the VP, heads of major boards, and key partners—have abruptly left or been ousted under troubling circumstances, many after speaking up about internal corruption. There was another change.org profile created by another former employee,  Enrico Taylor,  who shared his horror stories.

And yet, nothing changes.

Why? Because the fashion industry continues to turn a blind eye. Because young models, especially women of color, are treated as disposable, voiceless commodities. Because predators thrive where there is silence.

But we will not be silent any longer.

 
We demand an immediate investigation into NEXT Model Management.
We demand accountability, transparency, and justice for every creator, model, and employee harmed by this agency’s actions. We call on the fashion industry, media, and legal authorities to finally expose the rot beneath the surface and put an end to the culture of abuse that NEXT has perpetuated for too long.

It’s time to stand with the silenced. It’s time to dismantle the system that allowed this to go on. And it’s time to shut NEXT Model Management down—for good.

Sign this petition. Share their stories. Demand change.