Model Anok Yai Claims Photographer Called Her A “Cockroach” During ZARA Photoshoot
Stunning model Anok Yai took to social media Sunday (May 19) with the claim that she was labeled a “cockroach” by a photographer while shooting for clothing brand ZARA.
“Who wants to hear a story?” Yai, 26, began on X/Twitter. “I remember in 2019 being called a cockroach by a photographer. It was from this brand that I used to always work with. I didn’t speak their language and they didn’t speak mine but regardless we were on set shooting look after look after look. (there were days I shot 60+ looks)”
She went on, “On the 2nd to last day, the makeup artist starts powdering my face and the photographer puts his camera down and yells ‘Lotion la cucaracha’ Everyone on set starts smiling and laughing. I can’t react the way I want to react because at the end of the day I’m young, I’m alone, I’m black … anything that I do will affect me, my family, and other black models.”
Despite her hesitation to speak up, Yai did advocate for herself by refusing to work with said photographer the following day.
“The next morning I refuse to go on set if the photographer is still there. Someone from the team calls me and says ‘we don’t accept that type of behavior, we’ll fire him now. Tell me who he is and we’ll get rid of him.’ I go to set thinking he’s gonna be gone. He walks by me and smiles.”
The runway pro then claims the team attempted to gaslight her, claiming she “made it up” and that her alleged stand-offish behavior was to blame for any inappropriate actions.
“Someone from the team pulls me aside and says ‘I asked the team what happened and they said you made it up. Honestly, whenever you come here, you’re never smiling and you’re never happy to be here.’
“By now, there’s tears running down my face,” the Met Gala attendee continued. “I told her I wasn’t lying, she still doesn’t believe me. But I could tell she wanted me to sit down and shut up so I forced them to call my car to the airport and pay my full rate regardless. I remember wanting to come out with the story to magazines but I was told “think about what it will do to your career” That was my first (and not only) time being blacklisted I’m sure they thought I wasn’t strong enough to stand But anyways …”
She then confirmed what brand she was shooting for at the time with her final post: “Hi bit*h @ZARA Remember Me?”
ZARA has yet to address Yai’s claims.
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