Pussy Riot Member Who Posed For Terry Richardson Didn't Know His Past

I met with Terry Richardson and now found out that it is not in vain it is appreciated – it really was one of the most powerful of photographers with whom I in my tender age of twenty-five have met. Terry listens to Dead Kennedys, while shooting Holiday In Cambodia played.

Later, after her followers began confronting her about Richardson’s allegations of being a sexually abusive pervert, she backtracked, saying she “didn’t know about Terry Richardson’s sins”:

“Visiting guests [were] invited to be photographed—I did it. Try not to miss opportunities to learn from the experience of professionals, somehow.”

It’s pretty likely Tolokonnikova didn’t know about Richardson’s past—she speaks very little English, for one, and even though Richardson still manages to land campaigns for global brands, his allegedly predatory nature seems to be an open secret the fashion industry overlooks time and again. (Just yesterday, Lady Gaga posted a photo of herself and Richardson with the caption “Me and my buddy!” A host of cognizant fans left disapproving comments, pointing to their disappointment that she continues to engage with and cosign the photographer.)

But still, one wonders who “invited” Tolokonnikova, and where; more particularly, why her PR or whomever may have been guiding her through this most recent press tour didn’t happen to mention that a shoot with Terry Richardson would cast a shadow on her very righteous efforts. He may indeed be powerful—but the unwillingness of his employers and peers to speak up is the reason he remains that way.

[UPDATE: Tolokonnikova tells Buzzfeed, “It wasn’t actually the fault of any PR person or anyone else’s fault, and I hate qualified apologies, this is a pure apology to any women effected [sic] and I take all the blame…. I didn’t consult with anyone or do my research, we just went to a photo shoot on our own. Dumb.” And: “I wouldn’t participate in photoshoot if I knew about it.”]

Image via Getty