FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Richard St. Paul
914.355.9043
BURNETT TO STRINGER:
RETURN DOLLARS FROM ALLEGED SEX OFFENDER TERRY RICHARDSON
New York, NY -- Today John Burnett, the Republican Candidate for NYC Comptroller, called on Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer to return campaign contributions (individual and bundled) from his August 6th "fashion" fundraiser, among others, where guests from the fashion world were drawn in by controversial fashion photographer and previously accused sex offender Terry Richardson. Richardson, who is a dating Stringer's long time spokeswoman, has been described by the Wall Street Journal as a member of Stringer's campaign team and has had a high profile at Stringer events.
Burnett said: "Richardson specializes in degrading young women and has been accused by numerous young models of intimidation and inappropriate sexual conduct while working with them. He has been accused by these young women as being coercive, sexually aggressive, and even sexually harassing as pointed out by multiple news sources in the past, including Vogue."
"Mr. Richardson is a misogynist and a sexist. Mr. Stringer, a self-professed progressive, should be ashamed of his support of Mr. Richardson. If Stringer won't distance himself publicly from Terry Richardson, why should we expect him to conduct his fiduciary responsibilities as Controller with integrity?
"There is a disturbing trend here given his past support for the predatory group NAMBLA that seriously calls into question Mr. Stinger's judgment. And how can he condemn Gov. Spitzer at the same moment he embraces Terry Richardson? This is hypocrisy defined. It repulses me that Mr. Stringer would accept funds and pal around with an accused sex predator. How can Scott Stringer call himself a progressive if he can't and won't protect those who are most vulnerable in our society."
"This week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into law legislation protecting child models from exploitation and harassment. Many Legislators who voted for this bill in June returned to NY and attended Stringer fundraisers involving the despicable Mr. Richardson. I call on all of these so called "progressives" who have endorsed Mr. Stringer to join in my call to have Mr. Stringer return these funds."
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