A leaked email for an American Apparel casting call said no “Instagram hoes” are welcomed, according to reports.
While the casting agency took full responsibility for the email, the revelation comes as American Apparel tries to move past previous controversies, as well as the firing of founder Dov Charney in December amid sexual misconduct allegations.
Animal NewYork obtained the email sent by casting agent Photogenics that called for models to attend the March 18 call at American Apparel’s Los Angeles office. “Company is going through a rebranding image so will shooting models moving forward. Real models. Not Instagram hoes or THOTS,” read the message, written in all caps. (THOT is an acronym for “that hoe over there.”)
In a statement, Photogenics agency Director Phira Luon, who reportedly wrote the email, told Animal the note was intended only for a few who would be attending. “The comment made at the end was made in jest with models whom i have a personal relationship with and did not reflect the views, or directives by the client. i apologize to all those who were offended or affected by my comments, as it was not my intention.”
Luon also addressed the email in the New York Post, calling it “an inappropriate, off-color joke that was not intended to defame the client’s name or philosophy/views in any way.”
As Design & Trend notes, American Apparel has used amateur models in suggestive ads in the past. After new CEO Paula Schneider was hired in December, some wondered if the brand was going to tone things down.
The Huffington Post reached out to American Apparel and Luon for comment but did not immediately hear back.
