Title: Taiwanese American Model Accuses Fashion Designer of AI Whitewashing
In a recent controversy that has sparked outrage in the fashion industry, a Taiwanese American model has accused a well-known fashion designer of utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to alter her appearance and whitewash her image. Shereen Wu, a 21-year-old fashion model, claimed that designer Michael Costello digitally modified a runway photo of her to make her look white.
The incident occurred after Wu participated in a fashion show in Los Angeles, working alongside renowned designer Michael Costello, who has collaborated with high-profile celebrities such as Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, and Celine Dion. However, following the show’s conclusion, Costello allegedly uploaded an altered photo of Wu to his Instagram account, showcasing her with a different skin tone.
Wu took to TikTok to express her disappointment and posted a comparison of the original photo of herself in a stunning black, long-sleeved ball gown with the allegedly edited version uploaded by Costello. In her TikTok video, she expressed her dismay at the disrespectful act of editing her face and erasing her racial identity.
When Wu addressed the issue with Costello via online messaging, he claimed to have received the image in its edited state from a photographer, suggesting that he had no control over how contributors modified photos. However, upon contacting the photographer, Wu discovered that he had not made any alterations to the photo when he sent it to Costello. Additionally, Wu pointed out that the image on the photographer’s own Instagram feed displayed her original appearance without any facial modifications.
As an independent model not signed with any talent agency, Wu participated in the fashion show to gain exposure and did not receive any compensation for her involvement. She stated that there is typically an unspoken agreement when participating in such shows without payment, which involves receiving photographs for personal use. However, by utilizing an altered version of the image that excluded her face, Wu felt taken advantage of without any form of recompense.
In response to the controversy, Costello posted a statement on his Instagram account on November 2, denying any involvement in altering the photo and claiming that it was fan art submitted to him by an anonymous source. However, he took responsibility for posting it. He also mentioned being unaware of Wu’s lack of payment until her TikTok video emerged and offered her compensation for her time and talents.
Costello further expressed his intention to pursue legal action against Wu due to her false allegations. Nevertheless, his Instagram post was swiftly deleted, leaving room for further speculation regarding the ensuing legal battle.
Wu sought legal advice from an attorney referred to her by Model Alliance in response to Costello’s threats. She also disclosed that her original Instagram account had been repeatedly suspended, eventually resulting in its permanent deactivation without any explanation from the platform.
This controversy has shed light on the issue of whitewashing in the fashion industry and sparked discussions regarding the importance of diversity and inclusion. As the situation unfolds, observers await further developments and hope for a resolution that promotes fairness and respect within the industry.
In conclusion, the fashion industry is urged to address these instances of AI whitewashing and ensure that models of all backgrounds are represented authentically and respectfully. By acknowledging and rectifying these issues, the industry can move towards a more inclusive and diverse future.
Note: Some information in this article is based on sources cited in the provided links.
