Instagram deleted a post calling out a predatory photographer, describing it as ‘bullying’ – Mashable

When a young model tried to shine a light on a predatory photographer’s slimy work ethic, Instagram took down her post because it was considered “bullying.” 

Celebrity photographer Marcus Hyde is known for shooting icons like Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande. He posted a call for models on his Instagram story days ago, accompanied by a photo of a woman in a wet bodysuit and stars over her genitals and nipples. Sunnaya, an LA-based model and interior design student, responded to his story in hopes of posing for Hyde. 

In response, he messaged her back with “Nude?”

Hyde told Sunnaya that if she wanted to model for him, she’d have to send him nude photos first. 

“I don’t have nude photos,” she replied. “I’m comfortable shooting lingerie and partial nudity.” 

He then said that a nude photoshoot would be free, but a clothed photoshoot would cost her $2,000. Sunnaya conceded to doing a nude photoshoot, but said she didn’t want to send him nude photos beforehand. 

“Then don’t,” Hyde responded, and added “Gotta see if your worth it” when she pressed him on why he required nude photos before the shoot. 

She shared screenshots of the exchange in an Instagram post and on her story, to which he replied, “Suck a fat big dick.” 

Sunnaya also posted the screenshots on Twitter. 

Hours after Sunnaya publicly called Hyde out, her story was flagged and taken down by Instagram. The platform says her story went against the “community guidelines” and was “removed for bullying or harassment.” Then, Instagram notified her with a warning that her entire account may be deleted and removed the original post she made about Hyde because of “nudity or sexual activity.” 

“It was very disheartening for me when my posts started being removed,” Sunnaya said in a Twitter DM to Mashable. “The initial post on my feed had reached 40,000 likes and was being widely spread.” 

In a statement, Instagram noted that it made a mistake removing the post. Sunnaya’s original post was reinstated shortly after Mashable reached out for comment. 

“This content was removed in error and has been reinstated. We apologize to Sunnaya for the mistake,” a Facebook spokesperson said in an email to Mashable (Facebook owns Instagram). 

Sunnaya said she’s also grateful for the support she received from fellow Instagram users who petitioned Instagram to bring back her post. 

The story has gotten attention from Hyde’s former clients. Ariana Grande didn’t call him out by name, but in an Instagram story denounced “photographers who make you uncomfortable or make you feel like you need to take your clothing off if you don’t want to.” 

“If they tell you you have to pay more money if you’re clothed that’s fucked and I’m sorry that has happened to you,” she continued. “Look out for one another.” 

She also urged her followers to connect their friends with photographers who they’ve had positive experiences with. 

Fashion tea account diet_prada and Sunnaya both posted screenshots of DMs from women who say they’ve had similar, or worse, experiences with Hyde. Several of the screenshots accuse Hyde of inappropriate behavior and allege that he never sent models their photos after nude photoshoots. 

“It’s so important to speak up and use large platforms to share these stories,” Sunnaya said. “My story wouldn’t have gained as much traction without diet_prada. They have been so supportive.”

Hyde has since deleted his Instagram account and made a new one, which is now private. He has not commented on the allegations against him.