In a candid new interview with NW magazine, Love Island contestant Justin Lacko is opening up about his dark experiences working as a model in New York City and having powerful men “force themselves” upon him.
The 6’3, 27-year-old says he was often put in “awkward scenarios with men”.
“I live in the modeling industry and I’ve been in very awkward scenarios with men before,” Lacko reveals, adding that “it’s really freaked me out.”
He continues, “[I had] people trying to take advantage of me, and I guess trying to force themselves onto me.”
Lacko first moved from Melbourne to New York to pursue a career in modeling when he was in his early 20s.
“When you’re young and overseas it’s, like, difficult,” he says. “You try and meet people to network, because ultimately you need to get yourself out there, but at the same time you can also be taken advantage of.”
He adds: “There’s all this stuff that’s coming out [right now] with photographers and stylists–so many people who have had accusations against them for sexual abuse towards male models and it’s a very serious thing.”
Related: Barrett Pall talks about the dark underbelly of male modeling, says being gay makes it “much harder”
gayjim1969
Am I being cynical for questioning Lacko’s motives–and timing–for divulging this information during an interview in which he airily “reveal[s] that people often mistake him for being gay” (shocking) before letting the “now to love” interviewer that he’s looking for a “lady” with whom to “settle down?” And for good measure, he reinforces his masculinity and heterosexuality with harrowing tales of “awkward scenarios” with men that really “freaked [him] out”–insert nightmare scene–even referencing erstwhile situations that men possibly..conceivably…perchance, may have tried to force themselves on him. It could have happened!
I am the first to champion a credible #MeToo survivor, and I’m sure he has been in some uncomfortable situation with men *and* women who attempted to take advantage of a handsome, naive model for a romp in the hay. But, I believe he is cherry-picking what he’s reporting, and engaging in gay-baiting to make himself appear “straighter.”
mikhailmaui
Yes you are being cynical… it took place during an interview. Most interviews take place at three months before going to publication… so it is not like he just made the statements yesterday. I spent 2 decades in the modeling world and I can tell you this… those “awkward scenarios” take place on a daily basis. There was a very famous fashion magazine in Milan that always featured gorgeous men, but the ONLY way you would get the cover is if you slept with the editor. It was one of the most known “secrets” in the industry, however, once you got that cover your career sky rocketed. And that was 30 years ago. I also do not know if you have ever been interviewed for an article, but rarely is everything discussed actually included in the final published interview.
Teddy Ready
In reply to the Justin Lacko Article, I must say that this Young Model has much to yet Experience, Endure and Come to Terms with in His Chosen Career Path. The Homo Sapien Male has a Pre-Historic Male Instinct to pursue Partners for Companionship and Sex. The latter Instinct most of the time takes precedence over the first mentioned endeavor. Be it in any Job or Career where Men work with either Women or Men or Both, there is going to be Natural Attractions Heterosexually, Homosexually, and BiSexually. Also, there will be Men of all Sexual Categories of Orientation who will Pursue an interest in their Co-Workers tactfully and some untactfully. It is wise to be aware of the Behaviors and the Atmosphere of all Work Environments and be Ready to handle any Situation promptly. Best of Luck !!
Chrisk
Moderators understand an effing joke. Jesus this site is becoming as dry as your cooches.