A model for
Genre magazine who claims a series of
provocative photos intended for his personal use were
reprinted without his permission is suing the magazine
after he says he was subjected to unwanted advances
and harassment from gay men.
Benjamin Massing
appeared in the magazine's March-April issue in what
he considers to be a "cruel and vulgar"
shot. Now, according to Queerty.com, he's
suing the magazine and photographer Rick Day for invasion of
privacy.
Massing, who is
straight, is majoring in molecular biology at the
University of Southern Florida. Lawyers for the 20-year-old
college student say the photo spread, which flanked
advertisements for sex toys and lubricant, has made it
difficult for Massing to book jobs.
The suit alleges
Massing has been subjected to sexual solicitations from
strangers and the model claims he's suffered
humiliation and damage to his career as a result of
the photo spread.
"It's definitely
put him in a class where he's going to have difficulty
obtaining contracts for family-related shows," lawyer Liah
Catanese told New York's Daily News.
Previously,
Massing appeared almost in the buff for another beefcake
publication -- an Abercrombie & Fitch catalog. The model
also appeared in a spread for an issue of
Playboy spotlighting eligible college men,
pictured here.
Massing says in
his suit he never expected his photos to be sold to a
magazine that would make him look "lustful and sexually
promiscuous." (The Advocate)