“I was working a lot at the time, and was one of the highest paid models at the agency. I was booked for a shoot for this very famous photographer,” he explained in an interview with Hollywood Reporter. “I was sent into a hotel room to do nudes with the promise that if I did the shoot, he would offer me a very lucrative campaign for a magazine and a clothing line. I was sexually assaulted by this guy.””I left and drove straight to the agency that I was at in L.A. I stormed in and said, ‘F*ck you for sending me there. You knew what was going to happen, and you did it anyway,’” he continued. “There was a coy smile [on this agent’s face], knowing he got caught. ‘It’s OK,’ he said. ‘Not a big deal, calm down. I won’t send you back there. I know he’s a little aggressive.’ I said, ‘No! F*ck you!’””I told them to never call me again,” Richson concluded. “I quit the industry and it was the last photo shoot I’ve ever had. Those pictures were never seen or published. That was it. I swore it off and thank God acting found me at the exact same time so I was able to make a switch to a new career, but it left some scars.”

The traumatic ordeal left deep scars on Ritchson, both physically and emotionally. Despite the allure of fame and fortune, he could no longer reconcile with the inherent risks and exploitation rampant in the modeling industry. With immense courage, Ritchson made the difficult decision to walk away, prioritizing his well-being and dignity over career aspirations.

His bravery in speaking out about his experience amplifies the voices of countless others who have suffered in silence.

Hear Richson talk more about the incident and what led to afterwards in the video below.

In light of Ritchson’s revelation, what steps do you think should be taken to create safer and more equitable working environments in the entertainment industry?