Maria Fowler claims she was sexually abused by a photographer at 18 when she was a glamour model
The former Towie star opened up about her experience on a photoshoot in Majorca when she was 18, in light of Harvey Weinstein
MARIA Fowler has claimed she was sexually abused by a photographer when she was just 18.
The former Towie star, 31, has opened up about her experience in light of the news surrounding disgraced director Harvey Weinstein – revealing it was a well-known glamour model photographer.
In a number of Twitter posts, the mum-of-one told her followers: "This sexual harassment in Hollywood happens in the UK glamour industry.
"At aged 18 I remember crying trying (and failing) to get a flight back from a photoshoot in Majorca because of being touched and constant advances from a 50ish year old well known glamour photographer.
"I refused to work with him again which lost me money but it was a scary experience."
While Maria didn’t name the perpetrator, she revealed that others would know who she was talking about.
She continued: "I’m sure other glamour girls in the late 90s/early 00’s know who I’m talking about.
"The crazy thing is young girls used to LIVE with this creep!!! It’s not nice to experience."
Maria started her career as a glamour model and Page 3 girl before getting a role in Towie.
She left the show in 2011 and now works as a make-up artist and recently became a mum for the first time to baby Evie last September, with boyfriend Kelvin Batey.
Earlier this month Maria, who has always been very open about her mental health issues, opened up about her suicide attempt four years earlier.
In a candid post, she told fans: "Four years ago to this week I was in hospital after attempting to take my own life, if it wasn't for the hospital staff I would either not be here or be living with lifelong health side effects.
"Four years on and I have a beautiful daughter, happy life and free from depression, anxiety and living in a relationship with somebody who took enjoyment out of this.
"So what I'm trying to say is no matter how dark your days are or how little hope you have that there will be a brighter future, it should never be the end."
She added: "If I knew what my future had in store, maybe my actions that week would have been different.
"There is always hope and a way to a better life.
"And I thank the for being there to listen when I felt I had nobody."
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