Instagram Is Deleting More Than Your Average Troll Comments

Writer: Da'Zhane Johnson

The fashion industry is known for having a history of unfair treatment. Often the mistreatment is targeted at lower tier industry employees, like interns, assistants, and especially models. In fact, many of these employees are put in sexually compromising positions, in order to extend their careers. Unfortunately, the recent fight against sexual assault with the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements haven’t been enough to rewrite this industry’s history.

On July 21st, model and student Sunnaya Nash reported an incident with Marcus Hyde, a photographer known for his work with Kim Kardashian. Nash posted screenshots of the conversation she had with Hyde on Instagram regarding a potential collaboration. After seeing a post that called out for models, Nash responded to Hyde and things went south fast. Hyde seemed to only want to see the model nude. He even stated that any other shoot would cost $2,000, even though the originally nude collaboration would be free.

Nash’s post of the screenshots ignited a domino effect of stories, all of which, exposed the mistreatment Hyde displayed to models. Most of the stories revealed that Hyde was always too physical and flirtatious with his models, no matter the age. One model even explained that she worked with Hyde “as a young girl” and even then, he tried to make sexual advances on her.

Initially, Nash’s post was deleted by Instagram for bullying or harassment. The model and supporters were shocked by the act and called for Instagram to “stop supporting racists.” By July 23rd, Nash obtained another message from Instagram stating that her whole account could be deleted. The same day the post was reinstated due to an error on the company’s part.

This entire situation has made it clear to models how dynamic Instagram has become to the industry. Models no longer need to rely on agencies for booking or connections, especially if they have a large following. Although it may be easy to contact professional geniuses for a gig, it is also just as easy to contact a predator. Diet Prada stated in an email that “the insight and protection that an agency can sometimes offer” is absent and underappreciated.

By becoming a social media platform, Instagram signed an unwritten contract to protect its users. Instagram deliberately deleting Nash’s call for justice is another example of silencing predatory behavior. Their lack of attention to the details – the details that even were trending on the platform – shows a disconnect in their system to creating a safer community.

Additionally, it withholds the standards that they love to advertise. On July 8th, Instagram made a commitment to not only “fight against online bullying,” but to also “empower the targets… to stand up for themselves.” Yes, they made an effort to reinstate the post, but this does not excuse the flaws of their actions. Since predators seem to be unable to control themselves, perhaps the platforms we use daily need a new system to give justice to real victims, instead of famous aggressors.