Web Desk(May 18, 2018): Model Mujahid Rasool has come forward on Instagram to call out a culture of harassment in the fashion industry, specifically the exploitation of male talent by male gatekeepers.
In a series of posts using the hashtag #MeToo, the model said: “I have been struggling this field for 7-8 years which has been an experience full of harassment.”
He explained: “‘I have my own conditions! ‘Can we meet alone?‘ ‘Show me your n*** pictures!‘ … These type of statements have to be faced by me since the day I am struggling in this media industry and I am more than 100% sure that I am not alone in this case, there could be many more out there.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BizgK1RF62S/?taken-by=raimujahid1
Rasool shared screenshots of unnamed persons contacting him with an opportunity for work, albeit with ‘conditions’ attached. The screenshots can be seen below and on Instagram.
In a separate post, he also alleged that photographer/promoter Azeem Sani wanted Rasool to trade sexual favors in exchange for work opportunities. 
“It’s been years since I’ve been facing this,” says Rasool. “Everyone knows that this is the reality of the industry but no one wants to talk about it. I know I’m at a nascent stage in my career right now. I know that after this I might not get work. But this is something that needs to be addressed. Maybe change won’t come right now, maybe change will come after 10 years or 20 years. But I hope my post can help or protect a young boy who wants to enter the field of entertainment. Harassers should know that victims will not stay silent anymore, they will speak out.”
Meesha Shafi also shared his story and shown support to him:
Proud of him for speaking up! 🙌🏼Silence does not lead to change. https://t.co/RgJi1rq1YC
— MEESHA SHAFI (@itsmeeshashafi) May 17, 2018
When asked about whether he’s received criticism from his peers for speaking out, Rasool says: “I have received a backlash. I’ve got so many messages in my inbox saying, ‘You could have just privately said no, why did you have to make it public.'”
“Everyone knows that this is the reality of the industry but no one wants to talk about it. I know I’m at a nascent stage in my career right now. I know that after this I might not get work. But this is something that needs to be addressed,” says Rasool
However, Rasool says he was mentally prepared for any criticism that he might receive, and that he is also heartened by the support his post has generated. “We cannot judge a whole field by just these people,” he says. “There are good people in the field and that’s why I keep working. And if I don’t get 80% of the work that’s fine. I’ll be satisfied by doing 20% of the work.
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