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Kim Kardashian West ‘saddened’ by photographer Marcus Hyde’s alleged misconduct

Kim Kardashian West has spoken out in support of women accusing celebrity photographer Marcus Hyde of misconduct.

The reality TV star posted a message on her Instagram story on Tuesday to say she is “deeply shocked, saddened and disappointed” by the allegations against Hyde, with whom she has worked closely in the past.

The accusations against Hyde surfaced on Sunday when American model Sunnaya Nash shared several screenshots on Instagram of her alleged direct messages with Hyde. The model claims Hyde asked her for nude photos in exchange for a free photoshoot.

But when Nash refused to pose for the images, saying that she was only “comfortable shooting lingerie and partial nudity”, Hyde allegedly replied explaining that she would have to pay him £1,600 ($2,000) for his services.

Nash subsequently declined and, according to the screenshots, Hyde responded: “find someone else” and “I’ll keep shooting celebs”.

Since coming forward with her allegations, Nash says she has been inundated stories from other women making similar claims against Hyde, some of which she has shared on Twitter.

“They just kept coming,” Nash told Buzzfeed. “It’s been overwhelming trying to sort through the messages I am getting but I am glad I got to connect with many women who wanted me to share their stories while protecting their privacy.”

Childish Gambino, Kanye West and Chance the Rapper are just some of the high profile celebrities who have worked with Hyde in addition to Kardashian West.

“I have been reading all of the messages and stories from women regarding inappropriate and inexcusable behaviour of a photographer I have worked with in the past,” the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star wrote.

(Instagram/@KimKardashian)
(Instagram/@KimKardashian)

“My own experiences have always been professional, and I am deeply shocked, saddened and disappointed to learn that other women have had very different experiences.

“I stand in full support of every woman’s right to not be harassed, asked or pressured to do anything they are not comfortable with.”

The reality TV star’s message comes hours after Ariana Grande called on models and artists to be wary of working with photographers who make them feel uncomfortable.

On Monday, the 26-year-old singer posted a message on her Instagram Story, writing: “I have just read some shocking and really heart-breaking stories. I hate that this is a conversation. Please do not shoot with photographers who make you uncomfortable or make you feel like you need to take your clothing off if you don’t want to.”

“If you want to, sick. But if you don’t, please don’t. If they tell you you have to pay more money if you’re clothed that’s f**ked and I’m sorry that has happened to you. I promise there are so many respectful, nice, talented photographers out there [sic].”

Grande added: “I hate hearing about things like this. I am sorry that this was anybody’s experience and know that it doesn’t have to be.”

Fashion knock off watchdogs Diet Prada posted about the allegations on Instagram on Tuesday, prompting a wave of support for Nash from major players in the fashion industry, including model Leomie Anderson, celebrity stylist Karla Welsh and Michelle Visage, judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Model Karen Elson commented: “This is so sad and why models need to have better protections as this happens every day to young women on social media who are trying to make it as a model.”

In light of the allegations, Hyde has made his Instagram account private.

The Independent has contacted Marcus Hyde for comment.